I Vol. LXII January — December 1985 Nos. 1-4 * Sbumat of tbt

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i "Eendracht maakl Macht'*!

CON TE N TS

Page;

1. Editor's Note 1

12. Translation of Francois Valentijn's Description of Ceylon (Chapter 17) by S. A. W. Mottau 3

3. The and the of Sri — by Percy Colin - Thome' 169

4. Two Poems by George Keyt. .218

Printed at Tisara Press, 135 Dutugemunu Street, Dehiwala Journal of the Dutch Burgher

VOL. LXII JANUARY— DECEMBER 1985

EDITOR'S NOTE

On first June 1985, lost a truly cultured and noble son, one of her brilliant scholars and teachers of English Literature - EVELYN FREDERICK CHARLES LUDOWYK. "

Bom on 16th October 1906, he received his early education at Richmond College and entered the Ceylon University College (affiliated to London University) in 1925 where he received First Class Honours in English and won a Scholar­ ship to Cambridge in 1929. At Cambridge he obtained a First Class in the English Tripos and also won the coveted Oidham Shakespeare Prize - the First Asian to do so.

Returning to the land of his birth, he was appointed Lecturer in English in 1932 and became Professor of English in 1936 at the early age of thirty- He was elected Dean of the Faculty of Arts in 1940., the first Ceylonese to hold this high office. On his retirement in 1956 he was appointed Professor Emeritus of English. Lyn Ludowyk was a brilliant scholar and teacher of English Literature and he imparted his knowledge to his students with devotion and insight maintaining extremely high standards of teaching. In essence, he was a towering figure in our intellectual landscape but always remained a modest and unassuming personality. He had the gift of being able to immerse himself in his work while possessing the objectivity and the knowledge lo stand aside and reveal its depths and facets to others. He was a model of a litterateur, cultured, warm-hearted, yet simple and gracious. A man of noble character, his passing has created a vacuum difficult to fill.

Lyn. Ludowyk's contribution to the Theatre should not go un-noticed, or unmentioned as it was as important as his leaching career at the University. He was" always interested 892 THE JOURNAL OF THE TRANSLATION OF FRANCOIS VALENTIJN'S in drama and was a member of the Marlowe Society at DESCRIPTION OF CEYLON (Chapter 17) * Cambridge. He was easily the ablest interpreter of any dramatist he chose to discuss or bring to the theatre and to By S. A. W. Mottau hear him explain a scene or character in a play made one marvel at his instinctive creative knowledge as well as his p. 409 The Christian religion in Ceylon. The Roman (Catholic) academic knowledge. religion. Xavier's services here, Anno. 1542. Who also converted those of of Mannar. The events that took place His important contribution to the University Dramatic between the two parties. Proclamation against the Romish Society had an educating and civilizing influence which is even Priests, The Reformed religion in Ceylon. Th Predikants who evident today. He set a high standard in production and in served here from 1642 to 1658 A. D. Disputes (or differences) his selection of plays he made it possible for local audiences in Ceylon. A Proclamation dated 1659 A. D. regarding the to become acquainted with Classical Plays of the West and the introduction of the . Observations thereover. East. Remonstrance of the Rev. Mr. Manteau, regarding the learning While Professor Ludowyk's name is widely associated with of a foreign language. Predikants (who served) from 1660 to his contribution to the English Theatre his connection with 1664 A. D. They rarely occupied seat of the Political Commi­ the Sinhala Theatre was a brief but significant one. One ssioner here. Instruction of 1667 A. D. issued to the Church reason that people tend to overlook. Professor Ludowyk's Consistory. The Rev. Mr. Burenius, 1667 A. D. Result of the contribution to the Sinhala Theatre is that his reputation in inquiry regarding the aforementioned seat (table). The Predikants the English Theatre overshadowed everything else. The fact who served from 1667 to 1668 A. D. Classis held in Ceylon that he was Professor of English, a Dutch Burgher by descent in 1668 A. D. The Predikants who served from 1668 to 1704 it was difficult to believe that it was possible for him to A. D. Resolution of the Lords Seventeen concerning six produce a Sinhala play. But he had the mental adaptability, Proponents and the printing of the Rev. Mr. Ruel's Grammar, cosmopolitan values and linguistic knowledge having studied observations regarding the measures for remedying the decline classical Sinhala for a time. In his own words "it is worth of the Churches and Schools. Special observations of the keeping the lines open for internationalism. After all that is, Rev. Mr. Synjeu thereon. Instructions for the Scholarchen. by definition, one of the functions of the University .." Church order. Report of an inspection of the schools and

We truly moan the loss of such an eminent personality and our sincere sympathies go to his wife Edith and his •*■ The previous number of the journal of the Dutch relations. We thank God for his life and work and for the Burgher Union (Vol. LXI-Jan-Dec, 1983) contains a trans­ enduring and valuable knowledge he has left behind for future lation by S. A. W. Mottau of Chapter 16 of Valentijn's generations. Description of Ceylon. Chapter 16 deals with Buddhism, and to a lesser extent Mohamedism. Chapter 17 deals with Roman Catholicism and the Dutch Reformed Church and their activities in Ceylon towards the latter part of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century. This is probably the first time that Chapter 17 has been translated into English. For a /biographical note on Valentijn see Journal of the Dutch Burgher Union Vol. LX1, Jan. - Dec. 1983, pages 8-10. DUTCH BURGHER UNION S sSESSmg

§4 THE JOURNAL Of THE A. D. The Rev. Mr. Synjeu is appointed Rector of the se- m.narym 1705 A, D. His zeal in this work in 1709 etc. churches etc. Letter addressed to the Hon. Mr. Simons there­ The consequent state of these churches, and observations thereon. over. Mr. Bolscho's report on the schools and Churches. List of the Predikants of Galle. The Predikants of Observations regarding the seminarians at . Further and Matara. The Predikants of Jaffna and . observations regarding the Seminary, etc. Further report for the Commencement and progress of the Seminary. Letter of the Rev. Mr. Synjeu to the Hon. Mr. Simons regarding the four Tamil Seminarians who were examined by him etc. Second letter of the Rev. Mr. Synjeu, over the question whether a Rector of a Seminary should learn the Tamil or the Sinhalese Language. The Rev. Mr. Ruel's large Catechism is rejected. Brief account of matters studied by the students. Persons employed for the work of the schools and the Seminary. Predikants who served from 1706 to 1772 A. D. State of the Ceylon Churches in 1681 A. D. Request by Raja Singa for a heathen temple in our territories referred to the Church Consistory in Colombo is refused. Establishment of the Tamil Seminary in 1690 A. D. The Rev. Mr. Cat's zeal in the same by the compilation of several works. The Rev. Mr. de Mey appointed first Rector of the Seminary in 1692 A. D. The Rev. Mr. Cat translated the Old Testament in both languages in 1694 A. D., and in the same year he also began to trans­ late the New Testament. The Rev. Mr. de Vriest appointed Superintendent of the Tamil Seminary at Jaffna in 1695 A. D. The Rev. Mr. Ruel preached in Portuguese and learnt Sinhalese in 1695 A. D. The Rev. Mr. Cat still busy compiling his Dictionary in 1697 A. D. The Sinhalese Seminary began to function in 1696 A. D. The Rev. Mr. Ruel appointed Rector of the same in 1698 A. D. Differences between the Rev. Messrs. Ruel and Cat. The Rev. Mr. Ruel's further works in 1699 A. D. Death of The Rev. Mr. de Mey in 1699 A. D- after having made some pupiis proficient in preaching. They also lost the services of six Predikants. The Sinhalese Semi­ nary is abolished in 1699 A. D. The Rev. Mr. Ruel's further proofs of diligence. The Rev. Mr. Oude and the Rev. Mr. de Vriest Rectors in 1700 and 1701 A. D. respectively. But he (the Rev. Mr. Oude) goes to Batavia and the Rev. Mr. de Vriest is again Rector in 1701 A. D. Poor state of the Tamil Seminary. The Rev. Mr. Ruel dies in 1701 A. D. the great loss by his death. The Sinhalese. Seminary is revived in 1704 13B 6 THE JOURNAL OF THE «E Vanuatu* DUTCH BURGHER UNION 7!lt

THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION IN CEYLON, were no comparison to those who were converted PRIMARILY THE ROMAN by Xavier, so the Portuguese say. After he had already done the necessary CATHOLIC RELIGION work on the Coast of Madura, he left for Tutucorin p. 410 (I). and there baptised a pregnant woman who was The Chris­ unable to give >birth, but she miraculously delivered The Christian religion practised here from for­ tian religi­ her child immediately after he baptised her, where­ on in mer times either the Roman Catholic Religion or after be baptised not only her .child and her family Ceylon. that of the Reformed Church, both of which are still (lit: household), but thereafter also that entire city, The Roman being practised in the Island. who were amazed over this miracle. Catholic religion The Roman Catholic Religion was introduced He also performed many other miracles there, Xavier's here by t*e Portuguese after they had established for he restored one possessed of lunacy, and services themselves on this Island. raised persons from the dead, which he did more here A. D 1542 The great Apostle of the Indies, Franciscus than on one occasion, wherefore he achieved the Xaverius, having sailed from Lisbon to the Indies name of "The Great Father", nevertheless, he on the 7th of April 1741 and arrived at Goa on never prided himself over these achievements in any the 6th of May, 1741 betook himself in the begin­ way, but was always modest and humble and ning of October (so the Jesuit Jarricus says) along never sought for fame thereover. with Francois Mansilla, who was not yet a priest, After he had thus remained -until December at to the country of the Parruas, where the Pearl the ;Pearl Fishery .and laround^.Cape Comorin, he Fishery was held around Mannar and Tutucorin. returned to-Goa, ibut everyone was amazed when As soon as he arrived there he compiled several they heard from the staunch Jesuits about the great articles of faith, with some brief explanations and Xavier, that he had converted 40,000 heathens to prayers from the Catechism as a Confession of Christianity since they have not succeeded for several Faith. He taught them especially to recite the Lord* s years past in converting even 3 or 4 persons; but Prayer (Pater Noster')- the 'Ave Maria', the Creed on the other hand, when one considers that the and other similar prayers, and lived among them whole faith of these Christians (as we have learnt most strictly and modestly, by which he achieved from our recent ■; experience* consists only in an *Ave much fruitful results Maria' and in ;a .'Pater iNoster', which f believe, that these dull -Parruas have -learntby heart in that He had various differences with the Brahmins period of time with much difficulty either wholly in the land of Madura, only one of whom he was or in part, but soon after Xavier had left, had again able to convert; but he converted over 40,000 of the forgotten the same one could easily understand the p. 441(1). heathens among these fishers. There were previ­ position, more so since in everyplace where he had ously over 20,000 nominal Christians, who were how­ converted so 'snany "people, the -.position still remains ever in fact heathens, who were probably brought the same ^and we ihave .experienced that all this is over to Christianity here by St. Thomas, but these in fact highly exaggerated, besides which the char- THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 9 $£&

acteristics of all Indians indicate that they are The events Thereupon Xavier left for Cochin to restore generally lazy, indolent, slow in learning and that took the position at Mannar, and from there he proc- inclined to immediately forget everything that they place bet- ceded to Cambays to see the 'Sofa' in order to have learnt, unless they are very strictly egged on ween the seek his assistance to extirpate this tyrant of Jaffna. and compelled by force, as it were, to pursue the two parties Having obtained his assistance, he left in April 1545, same, and these are the sort of people whom the accompanied by Jan Mansilla, with a fleet for Mannar, great Xavier has made to be Christians in that but his plan was frustrated by an intervening occur­ short period of time, and no other; wherefore it rence, as a Portuguese ship arriving from Pegu was would have been better if they had remained silent tossed about by storms on the coast of Jaffna, and rather than boast thereover. thereby his plan to wage war against this King till this ship was able to' arrive again was foiled. In who also He came there again in February 1544, and the same year Xavier sent Antoni Criminaal (one reclaimed then brought with him. Mansilla, (who had now of the three priests who had also been brought to (converted) become a priest) and some other priests, four of the Indies by the new Viceroy of India Joan de those of whom he left at the Pearl Fishery, and departed Castro, the first named of whom had come to the the Island Indies with Xavier) to the Pearl Fishery, and he of Mannar. for Travancore, where he baptised more than 10,000 died there as a martyr in the company of Jan de p. 411 (2). heathens, on account of which he was pursued (i. e. Beyna (also one of the three priests). persecuted) by their priests and by several disloyal (i. e. unfaithful) Christians. On hearing of this Subsequently, when the King of Jaffna waged conversion of so many people by Xavier, the war against them, the Portuguese conquered that people of the Island of Mannar too came over entire Kingdom. He revolted again soon after the (i. e. were converted). He also received letters from Viceroy Constantyn de Saa had left for Goa, refused that island and sent priests over there with the to pay tribute any longer, and persecuted the Christi­ intention of proceeding there himself after first ans, which he particularly did in the year 1590 when establishing the matters of religion. he appeared in the Bay of Mannar with a fleet of p. 412 {1) 65 sailing vessels just at the time when there were In the meanwhile, the, priest sent by him to hardly 65 men in the fortress of Mannar, but he was however completely routed and retreated after he had Mannar was well received, but the King of Jaffna lost several of his men. was not pleased about. this and pursuedhim (though he pretended to be a friend of the Portuguese), and He made a further attempt in the year 1591 but shortly thereafter had over 600 persons of those at ' was again defeated along with the Malabar troops of Sea- Rovers which assisted him, so that the Chief of Mannar brutally murdered, both men, women and the Malabais ceased to help him, and the King again others of all ages. This King also tried to kill took to flight and the whole of Jaffna was conquered his eldest brother, to whom the sovereignty (lit: then by the gallant Don Andrea Furtadode Mendosa, Crown) really belonged, but this Prince fled to Goa, who was sent there by the Viceroy Matthias Albu- and having been well received by the Portuguese kerke after the two defeats of these fleets before Mannar, as a result of which subsequently the there, he was also baptised by them. mmM O THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION U H§;

Portuguese, having gradually gained a greater footing there, he also had the services of a Proponent, in Ceylon, were afforded the opportunity of con­ Jacob Pieterszoon, who had died in the meantime verting very many Sinhalese to their ways of life, as a result of which this Church was in great however, we find no further information thereafter difficulties, as he had rendered much useful servi­ in the publications by Portuguese writers, ce during his lifetime. This was the position which had been achieved On the 26th of June 1«45: The Rev. Antonius through the zeal of the Portuguese priests from time Hilarius left for Galle, to serve as Predikant there to time as long as they were the Masters here in and he remained there for several years. On the regard to religion in Ceylon, until the Dutch con­ 15th of January he applied most earnestly to the quered this Island (in so far as the maritime cities Governor Jan Thyszoon Paayaart here for permission and some inland fortresses which we have mentioned to extirpate the Mohammedan religion which had earlier are concerned) and the Portuguese were been deeply rooted here. driven out. Proclamat­ On the 18th of July 1645; the Rev, Joannes a ion against However, their priests and ministers, according Breyl was called to serve at Galle, but as he pre­ the Romish to their usual custom have not neglected to sow ferred to serve at the Coast of Coromandel, he priests. the evil seeds of their doctrine here and there, remained there and this calling was accordingly against which the Government has had a placcaat amended and he was appointed to serve at the published here dated the 12th of August 1682. Coast with the approval of Batavia. THE REFORMED RELIGION OF CEYLON, On the 9th of September 1647: The Church Con­ sistory of Batavia appointed the Rev. Daniel van It is now fitting that we also make mention Arkel to serve at Galle, but His Reverence died of the Reformed religion and the Ministers of at Batavia prior to his departure. God's Word on the Island of the Dutch (East India) Company, who, have laboured for the conversion On the 10th and 31st of August 1648: The Rev. of the Sinhalese. Messrs. Antonius Lenzius and Henricus Bongaard P. 412 (2) were called (i. e. appointed) to serve here, the for­ The Predi- On the 6th of October 1642. The Rev. Antonius mer of whom served until the year 1650 and the kants who Hornhovious was the first of those who were called latter till much later, but for how long I am un­ served here from Batavia and left Batavia to serve as the able to ascertain from any source, except that I from 1642 Predikant at Galle, but I have been unable to find from Mr. Baldaeus that His Reverence had h 1658 ascertain how long he served there. already died in the year 1671. The Rev. Mr. Lenzius, A. D. after he had been harassed and punished along with On the 7th of of July 1643, the Rev. Joannes p. 413 {!). the Rev. Mr. Bongaard too, by the Hon. Mr. Maat- Sterthemius was called to serve at Galle and depa­ suyker, was sent up to Batavia and found not rted there in the same month and remained there guilty notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Maatsuyker until the year, 1645, in which year His Reverence had reported very strongly against him; however, took seriously ill and left for Batavia, where he arrived the whole squabble arose over the special Pension­ on the 24th of. April that year. During his residence ers' Board which he wanted to introduce, which §!{§ 12 THE JfOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 13 gg the Predikants, with good reason, opposed as there from there for Batavia in the year 1660, where was no precedent therefor. he arrived on the 28th of June with laudable testi­ mony of his work and conduct. In the year 1649: The Rev. D. Hilarius was sent over to Batavia on grounds of misconduct and On the 26th of September 1652: The Rev. Domi- appeared there on the 14th of December, but it p. 413 (2). nicus Vinsemius was called to serve at Galle, about must be mentioned that this gentleman and also whom very bad reports were read out on the 14th of Rev. Mr. Lenzius were very harshly treated and October in the Church Consistory meeting at Batavia, persecuted with legal processes by Mr. Maatsuyker, on account of which, it appears to me, he was the Governor there (who was a Jesuit at heart); since recalled as I find no mention of him after wherefore not much regard was paid to such reports that time anywhere in Ceylon. of Mr. Maatsuyker which the Government contrived to manipulate at his dictation, and besides that the On the 9th of July 1655: The Rev. Peti us Kesselerus Rev. Messrs Hilarius and Pougaard said that they left Batavia with the General the Hon. Mr. Gerard had also been punished by him. Hulft; but his Reverence appears to have been already dead by the 19th of October 1656. On the 13th of September the same year: The Rev. Antonius Stamperius was appointed to serve at On the 18th of September 1656: The Rev. Messrs Negoinbo, but this calling was on such a basis Philippus Baldaeus and Joannes Fereira D' Almeida that he should also be regarded as a voting Mem­ were called to serve at Galle and they departed ber of the Church Consistory at Point de Galle. there on the 6th of November. The former remained ft is not clear for how long he remained there. there till the year 1657 and then served for a period of 8 months as Army Chaplain. His Rever In the same year: Mr. Maatsuyker was justified ence was later, in the year 1658, appointed as the against the Rev. Mr. Hilarius by his great friend first Predikant at Jaffna, where he remained for Mr. Van der Lyn, although he was in the wrong, 3£ years only till the year 1661, and after that the more so, as the Batavian Predikants had fore­ again till the year 1665. The latter (i. e, the Rev, warned Mr. Van der Lyn about his judgment. Mr. D'Almeida) was appointed to Tutucorin in the On the Uth of July 1651: The Rev Franciscus year, 1658 and remained there till the year 1663. Wyngaarden was sent out here from Batavia, and On the 12th of September 1658: Their Honours he remained here till the year 1655, in which year at Batavia called the Rev. Joannes a Breyl to serve he appears to have . been the Predikant of Negombo, bxit it is not known foi how long he remained at Galle, and he was transferred to Mannar in there. that same year and served there till the year 1661, and was then appointed to Jaffna where he remained On the 26th of July 1659: he was back again at until the year 1665, and thereafter left from Bat­ . , Galle whither he was sent by Mr. Van Goens on avia for the Fatherland in the year 1668 and died his own authority in spite of and without the knowledge of the Church Consistory of Galle, taking on the voyage home at the Cape of Good Hope upon himself that ecclesiastical role, and he left where he was also buried. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 15 lf|

In former times there were great troubles from have earnestly endeavoured in every way to honour­ time to time between the Governors and the Church ably uphold the same, and that they have therefore authorities here whom they sought to oppress, in decided it to be most essential for this purpose to which Mr. Maatsuyker took a prominent part, advance and establish the Dutch language, and on arrogating everything to himself as far as it was the contrary to destroy and abolish the Portuguese possible, and introducing unheard of rules for language, so that with the abolition of that language instance, that the Political Commissioner must have and the establishment of ours, the name and the a separate table in the Church Consistory meetings memory of our enemies might be forgotten and replaced with a red scarlet cloth (which we shall refer to by that of ours; And in order to achieve this, it was again later), which even Their Honours at Batavia decided to make a beginning with the slaves, whe­ had never demanded for their Political Commissi­ reby whole families, and especially young children, oner who was a Councillor of the Indies would quite easily be able to learn the pure language of their fathers; And grave complaints were mutually made both p. 414 (2) to Batavia and also to the Fatherland; but dur­ Therefore every inhabitant of this Island is ing the time of Mr. Hustaart, the correspondence hereby ordered and commanded to have the hair between Messrs. Maatsuyker and Kittensteyn and of the heads of their slaves (both boys as well as the correspondence of the Church Consistory were men) who are unable to speak the Dutch language, burnt at Galle, and all the documents from the cut short, and continue to go about in that con­ year 1651 to 1654 too seemed to be similarly des­ dition without wearing hats (lit: with their heads troyed, after which there was some respite from uncovered) until such time as they are able to speak these troubles. Dutch,, with the warning that those who are found to have neglected to do so within 6 weeks from In that same year there were also disputes this date, shall pay a fine of 3 reals of eight, as lots had first to be drawn whenever a Predikant excluding all such slaves who know the Dutch lan­ had to proceed on circuit to inspect the country guage, who alone, and no other), shall be permitted churches, as recorded in the minute book on the to have long hair and wear hats; which we also 12th , of January that year; but it is not qlear consider to be necessary in the interest of the re­ whether this rule was observed. nown (lit: reputation) and the honour of the Dutch nation. In the year 1659: Mr. Ryklof van Goens issued and proclaimed the following salutary pla- Thus done and passed in the Castle of Colombo ccaat for Colombo: on this 14th day of November in the year 1659. A proclam­ Signed and issued on the 21st day of the same ation in 1659 "The Honourable Mr. Ryklof van Goens, Co- month and year. A. Z>. regar- uncillor of India, etc. and his Council ding the intr- send their greetings, and proclaim that Their Hon~ (Signed): Ryklof van Goens. oduction of ours, for some time past, have earnestly given the Dutch their consideration to the renown and glory and (Lower): By order of His Excellency. Lucas van language the honour of our Dutch nation, and that they Weerden, Secretary. 16 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 17 W\M observation This was indeed a very good placcaat and it And similarly too5 as in Batavia, also in several thereover would have been desirable that such a decision other territories, where all the Predikants would then was taken in all the territories of the Hon. Com­ from the very outset have been able to render pany in the Indies, in order to propagate the similar service among the native inhabitants, which Dutch language everywhere, and it is certain that now only half their number, and more often only one then, after a period of 20 years, there would have of them, can render (as the others do not know the been a tenfold more benefit from the work of the language). Predikants everywhere, and so many disputes over the languages problem would also have been avoi­ Besides this, Their Honours have also adopted ded because several of the Predikants are now several wrong measures and issued several rare either incapable or too busy to master this or any orders, compelling persons of advanced years and other language, and when they happen to do so those who could never have been competent in the with much difficulty, then they are sometimes tra­ same, to learn foreign languages, as if they were nsferred by Their Honours to places where the individually capable of learning languages, and as if language is not spoken and of no use. they were obliged to do so.

If only a general order was made throughout Remonstra- The Rev. Mr. Monteau was therefore sent over the entire Indies for introducing the Dutch lan­ nee of the from Banda in the year 1675, and he then sub- guage, and that preaching should be done in no Rev Mr. mitted a very general and clear expostulation to Monteau reg- Their Honours at Batavia, in which he remonstrated: other but that language, all the Predikants would arding the from the very outset have been in a position to Earning of a (I) That the learning of languages was a volun- be of service in every place wherever they might fo reign tary work that each one who wished to uudertake have happened to be sent to. language or found himself to be capable of doing so, un­ Indeed, I would say that even from now on dertook or not, and that no one could be compe­ it is desirable that no other but the Dutch langu­ lled (as they are now) to do so, as this was a age should be used and strictly established in the special gift from God that is not given to every­ Indies and we would then, in a few years' time, one who intends to undertake the task. find that the results of conversion of the heathens (2) And also that a special distinction in this would everywhere be much more satisfactory, and connection should be made between young men in that the expenses of the Lords Directors (of the the bloom of their youth and men of more adva­ ) would also be much less than nced years, as it is much easier for the former p. 415(1) they are now; for where now (for instance) at and very difficult for the latter. Batavia, they are obliged to have some Predikants for the Portuguese and also some specially for the (3) And also that it was never the practice Malay congregation, they would definitely be able of the Reformed Church to compel their Predikants to learn a language as this was not part of their to do without these five Predikants, as the five duty in those days. Dutch Predikants would then have been able to preach to both these congregations as well as to (4) He said that the Lords Directors (of the the Dutch congregation without any prejudice to Company) had never issued any explicit order in their normal duties. this respect. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGER UNION 1%

(5) That, if it was intended to introduce this lier, he would indeed have been able to add as a rule, then one person and not more should be sel­ 9th clause that as there were already men who had ected as it was already apparent to many persons the desire and the ability not only to be able to who had on several occasions been consulted the­ preach in a foreign language, but even also to reover, and that none but those who elected to do spend their leisure hours in translating the entire so should be selected for rhe purpose. (Note by Bible without remuneration or any demur (which translator: The context of this clause is not quite was indeed most essential for the conversion of clear). the heathens), they should then not have let such industrious men sit down with their translated Bi­ (6) That, although nearly all of them are now bles without publishing them, in which connection required to do so, not all of them would therefore be the evil desires and jealousy of various individuals equally capable of learning foreign languages, as (which 1 am well aware of) have caused extraordinary experience has sufficiently shown that not even one harm and damage. out of ten has excelled in this connection. p, 416 (i) This has been, and is even now, evident in the (7) That the learning of a foreign language case of the translation of the Old Testament into had given much more work for many Predikants Portuguese by the Rev. Mr. Ferreira and my own than all their other normal duties, and that it was translation of the Bible into the low Malay lang­ therefore best that (the services of) such young men uage, which, notwithstanding the fact that I have who had a desire and were capable of doing so should preached for so many years in this language, and be made use of for this purpose, and not men of not without praise and good results in my congre­ advanced years of those who possess neither the gations (as will be seen from my certificate of desire nor the gift of God for the learning of discharge which is mentioned under Amboina), how­ languages. ever had to be put off on account of an erroneous predisposition by Their Honours for the High Malay (8) Besides, it was apparent from experience language (on the bare statement of the Rev. Mr. how little results had been achieved from the study Leydekker and his two brothers-in-law Messrs. de of languages by those who had already excelled Haas and van Riebeek, who were Councillors in in the same. ordinary of the Indies at the time, but were not qualified to express an opinion over this language) This remonstrance, though indeed very reason­ and on account of an unreasonable preference for able in itself, was of no avail to His Reverence, the translation of Mr. Lydekker, which, in order as Mr. Hurdt, who proceeded to Java as General to please Their Honours was rendered in the High of the Army, did not take him along with Malay language, which was not understandable and him as Army Chaplain, for it was decided on the unreadable by the Christians everywhere, while both contrary to send him to the Fatherland without an the work of Mr. Leydekker as well as my own thus re­ appointment because he had refused to learn such mained unpublished there as if all this labour was a language. useless, whereas there was no sense of responsibility in this respect before God or the world, since either If this gentleman had been here somewhat ear­ one of these two works, or even both of them lier, or had been able to see what happened ear- together (as I have always considered it fitting to THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 21;j

respect the work of Mr. Leydekker with as much ing else but gross indifference and disregard for regard as my own) should have been published the labours of assiduous Predikants, lack of zeal long ago for the benefit of the Christians there for the work of conversion among the heathens, and and elsewhere. (instead of reward for the worker) a bitter feeling of jealousy by some who wished rather to see such works This was the fate of my Bible and that of the burnt than published, although they were fully con­ late Mr. Leydekker, regarding which it would vinced of the benefits of the same, and that too perhaps be said that they were not published owi­ merely because they were envious of the mere renown ng to differences of opinion which had arisen over which would have accrued to such zealous persons the two languages, but there is really no doubt when they themselves were incapable or not disposed whatsoever that Mr Leydekker was a very able to undertake such work which would have been a Dutch Predikant, but one who had no talent to burden to them. be able to preach in Malay and who did not un­ derstand and had never preached, in fact could And now, to comment briefly on the study of not preach, in the Malay language which was languages here: from the Church records of Batavia preached everywhere in the territories of the Hon. we were able to see that Their Honours had expressly Company in a manner that was understandable to ordered Messrs Op den Akker and. Thornton (both the native inhabitants, nor could he be compared of whom had already acquired a good knowledge of with me who for so many years past had preached the Portuguese language and preached in the same with such commendation and results and so under­ for several years) that they should in the future also standably, and with whose knowledge of the Malay preach in the Dutch language, although both of them language the Lords Seventeen were therefore fully declared that they were unable to do so (which satisfied and are still satisfied (as they have once especially could not be demanded in the case of the privately been pleased to acknowledge), and have very aged Mr, Op den Akker, a man who was then even given permission- to . Their Honours in the 70 years old), since they had throughout the years Indies, to decide that either he or any other Pie- studied in the Portuguese language, and it was no dikants, for well over a hundred years now, preach longer possible for them to be able to express them­ in this difficult language (which is an unfounded selves as freely and as fluently in Dutch as they were statement as the Dutch language would also be a able to do in the Portuguese language, but all their difficult language as compared with the pure High pleas were of no avail, and the Supreme Govern­ Dutch) language, or whether it should not be tole­ ment insisted in upholding that General Order, rated now in the East and at Batavia, as it is wherefore they against all reason) were compelled to everywhere well known. (Note: by translator: The comply with the same: a circumstance, the like of context of this sentence is not quite clear). which I have never heard of any precedent in the seven United Provinces or elsewhere, where the Sup­ And, is it the difference of opinion over these reme Government has ever ordered an English, French two languages that was really the reason why the or Scottish Predikant (for example) to preach other Portuguese translation of the Old Testament by the than in the language in which he was proficient Rev. Mr. Ferreira, over which there was no dispute and in which he had several years of experience whatsoever, was not published? It was due to noth- and preached in, nor to preach in the (Dutch, lit: giH22^ THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 23^11 Low German) or in any other language, an order) Hon. Mr. Van Goens, when he fell ill on the journey P. 416{1) (a) which several persons certainly could not comply to Cochin and was sent from there to Ceylon. I am with, because each person had to be proficient in his not-certain as to how long the Rev. Mr. Wallius own language. stayed here, but T know that he was later appointed to Cochin. - ..It would have been much better and more ' unobstrusive if Their Excellencies had left the matter The 22nd of August 1661. of languages to remain in statu quo, but ordered The Rev. Joannes Nathanael Donker and another all district Governors to introduce the Dutch Lan­ Predikant, whose name is not given, were called to guage only in the future, and then there would have serve in Ceylon. The Rev. Mr. Donker was stationed been a hope of much greater benefit from the services at Colombo, and was sent from there without a of employees everywhere than ever before, and then charge on the 28th of January to Batavia and arrived the printing of all Bibles too, being unnecessary, there on the 26th of February. would, have automatically been eliminated and thus this expenditure and all the expenses, both of the p. 416.(1) 0) The 24th of July 1662. printing of the same, as well as (the maintenance of) so many native teachers of these particular languages The Rev. Messrs. Antonius Scherius and, Gosui- : could have been avoided. nus Slipperius arrived here. They were both, statio­ ned at Colombo, from where the former was sent Predikants Now that, we have made these incidental obser- in the year 1669 to Batavia for misconduct, and from u>ho< served vations, we shall proceed further to (give details of) there again to Cochin, but the latter was in the from 1660. the years of appointment of the various Predikants same year that he arrived stationed, at Colombo, to 1664 AD. who were sent out here. and also thereafter died in the year 1668, but where the former continued (to serve) or how he fared and, The 30th of August 1660. where he went thereafter, I do not know. The Rev. Ludovicus Bogaard at Batavia, who was And it appears that in this same year the Rev called to serve in Ceylon, was appointed in the same Cornelius Caletus was sent out, but I am unable to year as the First Predikant at Colombo, but lam give any further details regarding His Reverence. unable to say how long His Reverence remained there or where he was transferred to thereafter as I In the year 1663. am unable to find any record thereof. - The Rev. Joannes Ferreira a De Almeida was called over from. Tutucorin to the Portuguese Church The 18th of October 1660. at Batavia and arrived there on the 1st of May. The Rev. Gerardus Helkenburg, who was also On the 9th of July the opportunity was again called to serve in Ceylon and was also, stationed at afforded in the Indies, and the Rev. Balthasar Obie Colombo the same year, where lie .remained till the de. Meter was called to serve in Ceylon; he remained year 1662, when he died there. He was then suc­ . that year at Colombo and left in the year 1664 as Pre­ ceeded for some time by the Rev. Henricus Wallius dikant- to Cochin, where he died, as will be seen in after he had first proceeded to Cochin with tho our description of Malabar. «g 24 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION'

The 12th of August 1664 the other churches in the Indies and also with the churches in the Fatherland. The Rev. Messrs, Jacobus Maxwel and Bartho- lomeus Heynen were called over to serve here by In the beginning of the year 1667. Their Excellencies. The former was stationed at Colombo in that same year, and remained there till The Rev. Joannes de Voogd came out here from the year 1668; but the Rev. Mr. Heynen was in the the Fatherland and was stationed at Colombo, and left again from there for the Fatherland in the same year stationed for a short time at Galle and at year 1679. Jaffna, but for how long I do not know. Later, he was again stationed at Galle, where he continued to Order issued The 12th of July 1667. serve till the year 1676, His Reverence was born at in the year Paraiba in the West Indies, and he came out in the 1661 in the The Hon. Mr. Goens (caused to be) delivered "Waxing Moon" in the year 1664. Church a new set of instructions, which was drawn up on Consistory he 25th of December 1665, and approved by Their The rarely in the year 1665, and on the 11th February 1666. Excellencies (at Batavia), which the Church Consis­ occupied tory desired to have, being notes of advice for seat of the The members of the Church Consistory of the Deacons, etc.; but no reply was received at the Political Colombo arrived in the vestry, where they observed time regarding the seating arrangements at the Commissi- a red scarlet cloth, two ells in length, at the up- aforementioned table of the Political Commissio­ oner here, per end of the table The Political Commissioner ner. Mr. Isaac de St Martin, was asked from where this new custom and mode of procedure was int­ The 18th of Julyr roduced, whereupon he replied that the Honoura- P.416(2)(a). blc Admiral of the Fleet Superintendent Mr. Ryc- The Rev. Jacobus Burenius was called over to klof van Goens had ordered the same and at the serve here by Their Excellencies and was stationed same time he said that he wished to know whether at Galle, and it does not appear to me that he way Their Reverences had any objection to it; where­ stationed anywhere else in Ceylon until the year upon they respectfully replied that on this occasion 1676, except that His Reverence appears in the they would certainly obey it as a definite order notes of the proceedings of the Classis at Colombo of His Excellency the Admiral of the Fleet, (which in the year 1668. they also then did), but that otherwise they in no Result of the The 28th of December: way approved of it, firstly since it was without {enquiry re­ any precedent in the Indies, or at Batavia (where garding) af- The Hon. Mr. Van Goens made a suggestion there was a Council for the Indies), or in the orementioned to the Church Consistory of Colombo that the Fatherland (i. e. Holland), and on the other hand seat. Political Commissioner should have a separate also because it was entirely and already introduced table, covered with a long red cloth; whereupon without the knowledge of the Church Consistory; the Church Consistory replied that they could not and thirdly^ because this was not a matter which approve of it as it as it was never the custom could be decided by a particular church, and abo­ of the Supreme Government of the Indies, that ut which they were bound firstly to consult with they rather believed it to be an honour due to THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION

Their High Mightinesses (i. e. in Holland) but never in this condition on the 23rd of April at Batavia, a privilege due to the Political Commissioner of the more so as His Reverence could not get on Colombo. with the Hon. Mr. Van Goens, and because he saw a dark cloud hanging over him which he never The Hon. Mr. van Goens thereupon replied expected, namely: the meeting of the Classis in that this was in fact very often the custom in Colombo which was fixed for the 14th of March, former times, especially in the year 1650 when the at which all wrongs it was said would be rectified Hon. Mr. Maatsuyker had introduced this custom although everything took quite a different turn. It at Galle. (as will be seen from an old process, Classis held consisted of the Predikants of Colombo, Jaffna and i. e. suit, of the Rev. Mr. Lenzius against him in in Ceylon in Galle, the Political Commissioner being present, and in this respect), on the ground that he had come 1668 A. D. it was held on the order of the Hon. Mr. Van over has a Pansionary. Goens, Governor of Ceylon, Admiral, Superintendent, The Church Consistory of Colombo wrote in Special Commissioner, and Councillor in Ordinary of this connection to the churches of, Jaffna, Galle, the Indies. etc; but they were of the opinion that all this This Class lasted for 16 days, in the mornings was quite unnecessary, which having been notified and afternoons. by the Church Consistory of Colombo to the Hon. Mr. van Goens, His Honour replied that he then, PA16 (3)(a). On th« Nth of March: for the peace of the Church, would drop the matter; but this cost the Rev. Mr. Maxwell his The case of the Proponent Joannes Tholi was discussed. dismissal to Batavia, that year, which he then re­ quested and also received on the 20th of January On the morning of the 15th of March: 1668. The discussion was over the decision that the The 29th of August: opinions of the Governor should be respected and in the afternoon the discussion was about the circula­ The Rev. Servatius Clavius was called over to tion of Church documents. serve here, and in the same year (1667), he was sta­ tioned at Jaffna, where he served till the year 1670, On the 16th of March: and was then called to serve as Predikant at Batavia. The discussion was about the reply to certain expressions of opinion and about the definition of In this year, the Rev. Arnoldus Oorschot arrived words, necessary knowledge, etc., and, here on the ship "De Wassende Maan" (the waxing moon), and was stationed at Colombo, and similarly In the afternoon, about the exemption and appli­ too the Rev. Joannes de Voogd. cation of the 39 Articles of the Batavian Church Order, and about the request for an extract thereof. In the year 1668: On the 19th of March: The Rev. Jacob Corf arrived here, who was sta­ Both in the morning and in the afternoon, again tioned at Colombo, and in the beginning of this year, about the case of (the Proponent) Mr. Tholi, over the Rev. Mr. Manoel who was ill departed and arrived which 20 Articles were drawn up. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION '' 20Jig On the 20th of March: tism, and procedure of visitations, or the visiting The discussions were about the matter of the and admission of Church members, their preparat­ renewing of Catechism classes and about the aff­ ion therefor, and other relevant matters. airs of the Diaconate, and also about the refor­ In the afternoon, the Political Commissioner ming of certain Church errors, about the calling of was asked whether he had any suggestions to offer of the Rev. Mr. Heynens and his Church testimon­ on behalf of, the Government, and he answered ial and about a certain requirement in the Article in the negative; then, after a mutual exchange of and the Act of the year 1659; and thanks, the Classis ended; a brief draft of the pro­ In the afternoon, the demand for coolies or ceedings was drawn up and signed by the following work-slaves that were needed for the school visits persons:- and inspections. Antonius Scheerlus, Predikant at Galle, President. On the 23rd of March: Jacobus Burenius, Predikant at Colombo, Scriba. Arnoldus Oorschot,Predikant at Colombo,Assessor. In the morning: about the affairs of the Dia­ Servatius Clavius, Predikant at Jaffna. conate. Mr. Michiel Dibbet ) On the 26th of March: Elders Mr. Benjamin Belyn ) Some special observations over the same were discussed. The Predik- The Rev. Messrs. Jacobus Schee and Jacobus Corf ants who se- arrived here. The former was stationed at Galle, On the 28th of March: rvedfrotn but for how long I do not know. The latter was J668 to 1704 stationed at Colombo, for how long I do not know; The matter of the languages was disscussed A. P. but the latter was later stationed at Galle and died and measures devised for not introducing the Portuguese language, in compliance with the Pla~ there in the year 1671. ccaat of the year 1659, ia order to do away with the influence of the Portuguese nation, the comm­ In this year, the Rev. Nicolaas Agotha was ents whereover were most remarkable; and also . sent over here and was stationed at Galle; he was stationed at Negombo in the years In the afternoon, the entire Church Order of 1696 and 1697, but was again appointed to Galle, the year 1659 was revised and approved. and died there in the year 1718.

(b) On the 30th of March: In the year 1669. A special item concerning the calling of the Rev. Mr. Clavius was discussed. The Rev. Laurentius Hemliag arrived here and was stationed at Colombo, where he remained till On the 3rd April: the year 1657 (n. b. this is an error in printing The discussions were, about the ■ perusal and perhaps for 1675 probably) and then left for Bat- reading over of the Formulary for marriage, bap- avia. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 31 =

In the year 1671: > On the 5th of September 1678. The Rev. Simon Cat came out and was stati­ The Rev. Joannes Fredericus Stumphius was oned at Colombo. He was released from office in called to serve at Jaffna by Their Excellencies . the year 1694 on account of old age, and died there in the year 1704. (i. e. at Batavia) and was also stationed there in that same year; but he was sent up in the year There also arrived here the Rev. Mr. Corf and 1680 to Batavia without dimission or Church testi­ the Proponent Mr. Tholi had also already died monial (i. e. attestatie), arrived there on the 26 th earlier. of August, and had much difficulties thereover; In this year too all the members of the Poli­ but on the 16th of January 1681 he was again tical Council were removed from the Church Con­ sent over to Ceylon by Their Excellencies to get sistory and exchanged for others. his testimonial and then leave for the Fatherland, In the year 1674: unless he might become reconciled there, after which his services could be employed there or elsewhere. The Rev. Hermanus Specht arrived here, and He died here in the year 1692 or 1693. he departed from Colombo for the Fatherland in the year 1691. The Rev. Jacobus op den Akker also arrived On the 15th of October 1675: in the year 1679 and was stationed at Jaffna at The Rev. Messrs David Farry and Lucas Busch p,4l6(4)(b). that time, and he continued there till the year 1687, ab Os, former Predikant at Everdingen in the and was then in July that year called over from Classis of Buuren, were called to serve here. there to serve the Portuguese congregation at Batavia, The former was stationed at Colombo, but 1 but he departed there in the year 1688. am not aware for how long His Reverence rema­ In the year 1679, the Rev. Mr. Clavius was ined there; but the latter remained there only from transferred from Jaffna to serve the Dutch Church the 18th of January 1676 till the 30th of March at Batavia and then also departed there. and then left for the Coast (of India). i. On the 31st of August 1676. At this time the Rev. Adrianus de Mey was The Rev. Marcus Masius was called over to also appointed to Jaffna, but it is not known when he arrived there. He is mentioned further under serve here and was stationed then at Negombo. the year 1682. He was relieved of his office in the year 1691 on account of old age, and died at Colombo on the The 22nd of September 1681: 23rd of April 1706. The Rev. Joannes Co items was called to serve The Rev. Theodorus Cloppenburg too had al­ here by Their Excellencies (i. e. at Batavia). After ready died a year earlier. He was stationed here his arrival he was stationed at Jaffna in that same at Negombo before he died in the year 1675, year and remained there till the year 1686, when though some seem to think that he died in the His Reverence left for Batavia, where he arrived year 1678; but it is not known when he arrived on the 27th of May. He than appears to have left here. The Rev. Mr. Heynen too left from Galle for the Fatherland, and we find that he had come for Batavia in the year 1676. out again in the year 1699. i3i- THE JOURNAL GF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 33 jgj In the year 1682: time (i. e. temporarily), where he remained until It would also appear to me that the Rev. the arrivai of the Rev. Mr. Clement: he really -'■ Adrianus de Mey has been at Jaffna (as mentioned wished very much to remain there, but this was before), but when he arrived here I do not know, refused. He came here once again to Jaffna in the and he was Rector of the Tamil Seminary there, year 1690. (that he was released from his work in the year In the year 1690: 1692), and with much merit (lit: praise or comme­ ndation) died on the 28th of February 1699; but The Rev. Nicolaus Tivius came to Ceylon and he appears to us to have served on the Coast was stationed at Galle, and was drowned there (of India) once again before his death. in the year 1691.

The 27th of August 1685; On the 3rd of April 1692: The Rev. Messrs: Feico Wylsma and Adrianus The Rev. Messrs: Thomas van Simey and Phil- Bakker were sent over here- They were both stati­ ippus de Vriest were called to serve here, and on oned at Jaffna, the former in that same year, but the 28th of the same month, the Rev. Regnerus for how long I do not know; but the Rev. Mr. Bakker Croonenburg, and also the Rev. Messrs: Gerardus was appointed to serve there in the year 1686, and Hakoma, Rudolphus Meerland and Joannes Romans. was sent to (serve at) the Coast (of India) in the year 1687, and he was called over from there to The Rev. Mr. van Simey was stationed at (serve) the Dutch Church at Batavia. Jaffna in the year 1694, and sent from there to Galle, in the year 1697, and appointed to Colombo In the year 1686: in the year 1699, from where he left for Batavia in the year 1700. The Rev. Messrs: Francois Chasse and Conradus Croonenburg came over to Ceylon from the Father­ The Rev Mr. de Vriest was stationed at Jaffna land and they were both stationed at Jaffna. The in the year 1692, and he was appointed as Rector former died here on the 7th of May 1694, and of the Tamil Seminary there in the year 1694. In the latter in the year 1687. the year 1699 he got involved in disputes and was sent up to Batavia, but in the year 1700 he came In the year 1687: back here again as Rector (i. e. of the Seminary The Rev. Isaac van der Bank arrived here and at Jaffna), left for Colombo m the year 1702, and was then stationed at Colombo, and he died there according to the latest information, he was still >;416{5)(a). in the year 1703. He had already been released there in the year 1722. from his duties in the year 1695 in order to serve The Rev. Mr. Croonenburg was stationed at as Rector of the Sinhalese Seminary. Matara in the year 1692, but was transferred from In the year 1668: there, in the year 1697 to Jaffna; .in the year 1697 again he was at Matara, and in the year 1698 at The Rev. Mr. de Mey was sent over from here Galle, from which place His Reverence left for to the Coast (of India) or Negapatnam for some Batavia in rhe year 1700. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 35 The Rev. Mr. Hakoma was stationed at Galle In the year 1699: in the year 1692, where he remained until the year 1697, and then left for Matara where he remained At the end of this year, or in the beginning till the year 1698, and was then stationed at Jaffna of the year 1700, the Rev. Gerardus de Oude arrived from where he left in the year 1699 for Batavia here from Cochin, and was appointed to Jaffna on and also later, for the Fatherland. on the 1st of February 1700 in place of the dece­ ased Rector the Rev. Mr. de Mey, when he was The Rev. Mr. Meerland (having come over here succeeded in the year 1701 again by the Rev. Mr. from Cochin), was stationed at Colombo in the de Vriest as Rector, and he continued to remain year 1692, where he died in the same year (1692). here till the year 1703, when His Reverence was appointed to Colombo, and died there in the year The Rev. Mr. Roman was stationed at Jaffna 1720. in the year 1692, and left for Batavia in the year 1699. The llth of October 1700: In the same year (1692) or the year before the The Rev. Phiiippus Goting was called over Rev. Joannes Ruel too arrived here and was stationed from to serve here and was stationed at at Colombo in the year 1692, and he died there Colombo, and he remained there till the year 1705 in the month of May 1701. It will he observed ■when he left for Cochin. hereafter that he was amazingly proficient m the Sinhalese language. On the 17th of July 1702: In the year 1694: The Rev. Messrs. Francois van de Sande and Arnoldus Swem were called to minister here, the The Rev. Hermanus Specht was stationed at former of whom was stationed at Jaffna in that Colombo and lie died there in the year 1697. same year and he died there in the year 1705. In the year 1696: The Rev. Mr. Swem was stationed at Galle in The Rev. Joannes Coiterus comes out to Ceylon the year 1702 and remained there till the year 1711, again from the Fatherland, was stationed at Jaffna, when he left for the Fatherland, and he died at and died there on the 14th of July 1699. Hoorn a few years later. It is said that round about this period, and p. 4l6{6)(a). In that same year (1702), the Rev, Nicolaus even perhaps 30 years earlier, there were already Rimersma also arrived here and was stationed at in this Island 200,000 Christians, and as the Hon. Colombo at. that time, and he remained there until Mr. de Heere says in a letter to the Hon. the year 1711, when he too left for the Fatherland Mr. Collaart, there were as many as 230,500 Chri­ and now resides at Leyden. stians, who were proficient in the Ten Command­ ments, the Creed, and the Prayers, etc., for whose In the year 1703: ministration ten or twelve were able to be of very little help, which is the case throughout the whole The Lords Seventeen (i. e. in Holland) made of the Indies, where there are so few labourers for certain decisions in regard to the Seminary, as will so rich a harvest. be seen in the following extract:- DUTCH BURGER UNION 37 SHigf. B36 THE JOURNAL OF THE languages conjointly r should be printed and sent over Extract from the Resolutions of the Lords Seventeen there'for this purpose. at on the afternoon of Thursday the 28th of June 1703. (Below): Collated and signed by: E. Schot. (Certified by): J. Brouse, first clerk. Resolution &f In" the proceedings at the Hague on the 7th of the Lords May last, having deliberated in detail over matters The Rev, in the year 1704: Seventeen regarding the Seminary or Training Schools in Ceylon, Mr. Sinjeu regarding 6 namely: one at Jaffna and one at Colombo, and in the year The Rev. Petrus Sinjeu arrived here and was Proponents the hopes and prospects expected from them, and 1704. stationed at Colombo, where His Reverence was and regard- ■' suggestions as to what action was deemed to be appointed as Rector of the Sinhalese Seminary in ing the necessary for the improvement and progress of these the year 1705, and was still officiating in that capa­ printing of institutions, which had declined consequent on the city in the year 1722. His Reverence also preached the Rev. death of their Rectors., and Wardens; after mature once in every fortnight. Mr. RueVs deliberation with a view to remedying such mis- Grammar. fortunes and taking advantage of their benefits, (it Observations But before passing over from this year (1704) was resolved that) six young capable persons be regarding to the following year, we shall, in order to give sent out, firstly to learn the languages in use there- measures for some further indication of the state of the churches namely: the at Jaffna and the Sinhalese remedying of and schools here, first intercalate the following language at Colombo, and that they be distributed so the Churches matters (all of which took place during the adminis- that thereby, in the course of time, not only School and Schools tration of the Hon. Mr. Simons, an ardent supporter, masters and Comforters of the Sick (Siekentroosters')' lit: foster-father, of the Church, as they would but also Proponents and Predikants may be trained generally afford much enlightenment. for the further instruction of these native inhabi­ tants and others in their own languages; in the hope This Honourable Governor of Ceylon, having that the Synods of these lands, in order to meet learnt from the Rev. Predikants there about the the urgent needs of the present, would desist from poor state of the Churches and Schools, requested their sustained opinion, namely: that the Churches them to furnish him with a report for their reform in the Indies would not be capable, as it has been (lit: restoration), in order to do what he could to experienced from times long past in those lands that help them in the same, which they delivered over they have not, and epecially too by the English in to His Excellency in the following form their colonies in the West Indies and those regions. to train Proponents, and much less any Predikants; P. 417 (1) To: The Right Honourable Mr. Cornelis Joan Simons, But if the said Synods, beyond all (our) expectations, Governor and Director of the Island of Ceylon with would not be able to be weaned away from such ihe dependencies thereof. opinions, that they should nevertheless proceed to do Right Honourable Sir, so, and succeed in the foregoing plan, Since Your Honour has been pleased to order us to submit in writing our recommendations regard­ That further, the grammar compiled by the ing the measures whereby we consider that the Predikant Mr. Ruel in the Dutch and Sinhalese decline of native Christianity could further be checked THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 39 and restored in some way, we therefore could not questions and their instruction adhere strictly to neglect to comply with Your Honour's order in this the old Catechism with the general consent of the connection. Ceylon Churches and as approved by the Supreme Government, and former itsage, because in it the Since it is so evident now that all institutions fundamentals of the Christian faith are simply cannot be better conserved or restored again from presented and the inhabitants are already accusto­ decay by any other means than according to the med to the same, whereas, on the contrary, the principles on which they were originally founded, new Catechism is more cumbersome and difficult we are there of the opinion (subject to your wise for the simple folk to understand, and therefore judgment) that at the outset this could be achieved the inhabitants learn nothing or very little there­ by no better means than by following the old style from, the more so since the present schoolmasters and orders which produced good results in former have unanimously confessed at the last Scholarchal times. meeting that they themselves are not able to read or understand the same thoroughly. There are two things which could provisionally be given consideration: the first, regarding the We do not mean that the new Catechism, work of the schoolmasters, and the second, the which we consider to be a good and most useful wcrk of the Predikants. work, should therefore be rejected and not made (1) As regards the schoolmasters: it would not use of: this could be left over for those who by be unprofitable seriously to order them to see that learning from the old Catechism have now reached their school-children attend at school regularly, that the stage to be able to proceed to the study of they learn the prayers and catechisms diligently, the new, or that it be made use of for the reading and that those who are knowledgeable are assidu­ and further study by adults. ously instructed in the wellknown fundamentals of Reformed Christianity. It could also be used by the schoolmaster for further explanation of the fundamentals of the That they should also see that the inhabitants, Christian religion, whereby he himself could, with as far as possible, attend at Church on Sundays, the added instruction of the Predikants, be more and after the reading and the performance of capable to instruct his school-children and village the other exercises of public worship and practi­ folk better on the fundamentals. ces of former times, that those who have reached their years of discretion are diligently catechised It would also be necessary that the schoolmasters on the fundamentals of the Christian c faith, and be strictly orderd to maintain an accurate roll of that those who have been discharged from school the Christians, adults, those who have been dis­ too are made to repeat what they had learnt before charged from school, newly-born school children, and in the schools and further instructed in whatever those who had died, each in his school, in order they still do not know, to be able to register their names, those who do not attend at school or at Church, and report to the In order to do so more successfully, we consider Predikants which children in each school have to that it is firstly beneficial that the masters in their be baptised. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNJON 41 :]p4$§|;

It would also be useful, in order to maintain but also to attend circumspectly to all necessary good discipline and to urge on the native Christians, matters, and to examine and instruct the school­ and also to avert abuses that may creep in, that the children and the adults in the fundamentals of the penalties and fines prescribed in former times be Reformed Christian faith. again enforced, but with discretion, the benefit of which could be more amply indicated. For this purpose they should, for the reasons mentioned earlier restrict themselves in the first And in order now to see that the schoolmasters instance to the old catechism in their examination perform their duties properly and to malce them do both of the school-children as well as the adults so more efficiently, we consider it to be useful that according to the old custom the School Board meet­ They could conveniently do this by explaining ings be held once in every two months, when all the fundamentals of the Reformed religion according the schoolmasters must attend, not only to render to the principles contained in the old Catechism. a due report of the marriages and the disputes They should not disturb these native Christians arising therefrom, or, if necessary, with further with extraordinary questions and controversies, which elucidation thereof, but also to report on the state are not discussed among Christians except by chance of their respective schools. occasionally of which these plain folk are ignorant. And also that the Master and the Assistant They should also take good care in their ins­ Masters, and from the far distant churches the- truction about the true or false groundings which Masters or Assistant masters in alternate turns, may have been imparted to the Sinhalese or come up every month to be questioned and ins­ in this respect. tructed by the Predikarits, which would serve as a means of seeing how each Master is progressing and These false groundings must be regarded as the encouraging mutual competition among them and greatest hindrance to the propagation of Christi­ anity among these country folk; it is therefore ne­ improving their knowledge generally so that the cessary before, everything else to root out these instruction given in the schools would be on a better false groundings, wherefore then idolatry* exorcism footing. and caste differences must be destroyed as a prin (2). The regular inspection of the schools by the ciple in religion. Predikants must also be considered as a very useful And since these people undoubtedly have had means of encouraging both the schoolmasters as true groundings which they do not strictly observe well as the inhabitants in their studies and improv­ nor appropriately live up to, it is therefore necess­ ing their knowledge of the true faith. ary to consider this very circumspectly, and to begin We therefore consider that it would be most 418 {2). from there further to deduce the hidden facts ther­ beneficial if the visits could be carried out accord­ ein, and also add to this whatever else is necessary ing to the former practice, namely: regularly every . from the Christian point of .view. three months. Besides what we have already recommended The duty of the Predikants at the inspection above, we could mention several other essential is not only to solemnise baptism and marriages, matters, and demonstrate several items from the iS 42 ^«E JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BUKGHEK - UNION 43 grgggg

-,.'■■■'■" resolutions of the School Board approved by the Excellency on the i2th of November 1704 refer Governor in previous years which have been succ- unly to the duties of the Predikants and the present ; ■ ^ essfully adopted earlier, and indicate what measures schoolmasters in the country,, as the circumstances should be further taken in order to ensure succe­ of the times and events afforded: no other means ssful results; but, since we are unable to appropri­ for the conversion of the heathen. ately accomplish this owing to the shortness of ',.'.":.... "time before Your Excellency's departure to Jaffna, But when the Seminary is reformed, this would we shall therefore, with Your Excellency's approval open a positive way for the means of the conver­ suspend this until such times as we are afforded sion, or at least, more effectively help to bring a better opportunity Meanwhile, we consider about the same, I therefore, on the one hand (subjecting our opinions to your wise judgment), consider it my duty, and, on the other hand, Your that if the recommendations already made by us* Excellency will not misunderdstand. it, that I follow are provisionally put into effect and carried out, up the previous recommendations with these my it would be sufficient primarily to help inputting further opinions. these poor ignorant folk on a better footing in It is apparent that one cannot fight with arms "'"'..'. regard to instruction alone, but that able and experienced men are also needed. Hoping that these recommandations of ours would be acceptable to Your Excellency, sve beg I consider that Sinhalese heathendom is either respectfully to remain, wholly or partly an enemy who must be resisted in order to compel them to surrender and embrace Your Excellency's obedient servants: the Christian Religion, that weapons are competent "'.".. (Signed): Philippus Goting, Gerardus de Oude, and convincing measures for the stamping out of N. Riemersma, Marcus Majius and Petrus Synjeu. heathenism and the building up of the Christian faith bui as everyone cannot bear these arms nor . .; ;. -Colombo,.. 18th March 1704. use them appropriately, my fctnought s therefore now . Certified by: C. Teay, 1st clerk. pass over to the need for having good personnel in order to achieve', this aim with rhe' blessings oi" Special After the aforesaid general opinions on the the Almighty. observations state of the churches and schools and the measures of the Rev. for restoring the decline in the same, the Rev The measures by which the enemy should be Mr. SynjeU Mr. Synjeu also handed over his special comments treated, how weak, or strong he may be, is what thereover to Governor Mr. Simons, in the following letter:- weapons should be used and would give the best results against him, and also according to whose p. 41%1). To: His Excellency the Honourable Cornells Joan demands and orders they will have to be supplied, Simons, Governor and Director of the Island of and have been demonstrated by us in the foregoing Ceylon with the dependencies thereof. recommendations, to which we would entirely refer Right Honourable Sir, you since there has been ho reason for altering Our proposals ■ regarding the schools in this them subsequently, so I shall pass oh the personnel district of Colombo, which were delivered to Your which will be needed for this battle. THE JOURNAL 01 THE DUTCH BURGHER UNtON 45 gifi* We. shall begin by. eliminating some persons experience of so many successive years has convin­ who. are not suitable for carrying out this work ced me and confirmed my opinion). From certain effectively, and propose suitable subjects or per­ matters of doctrine) to be introduced in Sinhalese, sonnel for the purpose and the numbers of the I would say more affirmatively that it is absolutely same, and finally give reasons why we consider necessary now, according to the foregoing recom­ these measures to be more effective and require mendations of September and October 1704: but so gr^at a number of personnel. we must investigate here the personnel, the subjects (1) This work cannot be accomplished by the and their capacity for carrying out this great object, and this is beyond our aim. services of the present Masters, because these men, though they are obliged to do school work, how­ I therefore think that it must legitimately be ever, in the course of time are able to do and admitted, because apart from these subjects (men) will go further and further and neglect their time there are no others, and in these circumstances, and even their regular duty, and losing efficiency there is no hope of any desirable results or com­ thereby are not desirable for the purpose; plete victory that the necessary means or subjects (i. e. persons) have hitherto not been made use of Which also cannot be achieved by their monthly and we must therefore, with good reason, seek attendance and instruction which they w uld then other means, in order to be assured of the hope of have the benefit of, as will be evident from the achieving the desired success. following question itself: "What could one expect from Masters who are examined 12 times in the Having rejected these then, 1 am convinced that year, which can be achieved even by. their exami such subjscts (i. e. persons) could be drawn out nation four times a year (if the inspection is done only from the Seminary, which is also the laudable without interruption) ? But it may be said thai object of our Lords Superiors that Masters for the then there would be so great an interval between schools should be recruited from the pupils there, one examination and the other, and they would mist, all the means of assistance. I think that the Masters But since the number of students (in the Semi­ nary) is limited to not more than 24, I therefore would not act in this manner like schoolchildren: take the liberty most respectfully to submit to and consequently Your Excellency that this number should be incre­ (2) Nor can it be accomplished by the inspection ased to 60 at least, as these Masters have to cater of the schools every 3 months by the Ministers. to the needs of not only the district of Colombo Granting that the inspection is done every 3 months but also those of Galle and Matara, and this can­ and at each inspection the school children and not be done by the Proponents alone owing to the those who have been discharged from school are great number of the schools. instructed, there would then, be four periods of instruction in the year; against which I would It is obvious that these should be the persons and as indicated, in my opinion, their cadre should quote by way of example, that then from the point be definitely fixed at this number. , of view of the time of the Ministers, that they cannot be expected to perform their preaching When these pupils reaeh a degree of proficie­ duties and other work {not to mention that the ncy* these two difficulties, as demonstrated above, THE: JOURNAL -OF -CHE: DUTCH BURGHBK UNION 47 ggjgg would be removed; for when they are proficient, (2) These masters could also be employed in tra­ they could perform their duties as required of them nslating passages or portions of the Holy Scriptu­ and a visiting Minister would then be able to do res into Sinhalese, and in presenting and copying more work with them than is now done during a them, in which matter we have hitherto experien­ whole year; ced so many difficulties, and for which work, as we have mentioned, these present kanakapulles are And their monthly attendance too would like­ incompetent. wise be of the greatest benefit. I shall not comment on the work of the 420(2). These men (i.e. the Masters) will also then have Proponents who have been appointed from the pupils free access to all the Dutch documents and books (of the Seminary) as this is outside my present whereby they would be in a position to improve object (or aim). themselves, and whereas they were previously 4ep - rived of the opportunity of conversing directly with If we review the reasonableness and the ad­ a Minister (which they were hitherto unable to do, vantages of recruiting Masters from the (pupils at and the desired fruits of the heavy expenses and the) Seminary, this number should also be condit­ the objects of the Company were not achieved. ionally appointed: This then is the sort of persons who are required (1) None of the Kanakapulles (or Scribes who for the knowledge and the ability in order to achieve this object, namely: the conversion of the assist the Predikants) here are fit for their duties, heathens. for although all of them possess a knowledge of the commonly spoken Sinhalese language, very much more is expected of them, and they are not The numbers of persons, owing to the reasons conversant with the subject in order to be able to mentioned and the great number of schools (which do the necessary interpreting. We could do without are about 70 in number) will then have to be these Kanakapulles by replacing them with such admitted into the Seminary, since without this type men (referred to above), and have the services of of Masters, 1 reckon that the desired results can­ two persons who can be set apart for the necess­ not be realised and our object will not be achieved; ary work of interpreting. we Will however also have to consider the labour (i e. difficulty) and the expenses that will be involved The Ministers would then have no need for in putting the plan into effect, since this matter the services of the Kanakapulles, as these Masters cannot also afford to be postponed or delayed. could do those duties with the competence requi­ red for the same, whereby, at the same time, a The motives of these recommendations I consi­ difficulty of no little magnitude would also be der as my duty, wherefore I presume that Your avoided, namely: that a Pxedikant who is not suffi­ Excellency would be pleased to sincerely consider 'all the measures of improvement which I now ciently competent to express himself ,in Portuguese submit or may further submit to you would however be able to have it interpreted to him9 and nothing would be lost thereby: and •1 conclude with the hope that these measures "What hav1 e Hollanders to do with the Portuguese might be beneficial to the schools, and I beg to language? '. remain: Hi 48 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UKI09T 49 (jjfj Your Excellency's most humble and obedient neglect to do so„ or those who, attending the same, servant: behave themselves immodestly, and the good admi­ nistration of the same, will be the sole responsibi­ (Signed): Petrus Synjeu. (in the margin); Colombo. lity of the Scholarchs, subject to the proviso that 21st October 1705. they should act discreetly in the matter of the Imposition of fines. (Certified by): J. Broelsz, 1st Clerk, And now, hi order to lay a good foundation. The punishment and dismissal of schoolmasters Instructions for the improvement of the country schools and shall take place in consultation with the Predikants, for the churches, a very plausible order was already fram- likewise too the appointment of new schoolmasters; but in case of differences of opinion in this connection, Scholarchs ed long ago by Their Honours and by the Gover­ the matter shall be submitted for the orders of the nment here for the appointment of Scholarchs and Governors or Commandeurs. for the compiling of a code of instructions as to their duties and functions, as will be seen from Changes in and transfers of schools, or the the following extract. building of new schools elsewhere, shall take place Extract of the Instructions for the schools in Colombo in consultation with the Predikantss but not until the prior approval of the Governors or Commandeurs We have at Jaffna, Colombo and Galle, (besides is obtained therefor the superintendence of the Predikants over the country schools and churches here), on the 25th of December The Scholarchs shall also take care to see that p. 422 (1). 1663, in our Council here and in the Council of in the native schools out in the country or in the India today, also decided, with a few amendments cities, no formularies (i. c. doctrines) are taught on certain approved instructions, and we have duly other than those which are now used by the brethren resolved to appoint two respectable, godfearing and and drafted and approved by the Governer General intelligent persons from the Members themselves, and Council of India, without permitting any al­ who are members of our religion, as Scholarchs* teration in the same by anyone. not only to guide these country folk to our religion, The Scholarchs shall maintain a regular list of but also to establish the schools for the youth in all all the schools, both within the cities and Castles these places, as the best benefits to Christianity are (i. e. forts) as well as those out in the country, expected thereform. They will then be under the and they shall, as often as they . have completed superintendence of the same (without prejudice to their inspections submit their report thereon to tha the ecclesiastical responsibility, i. e. oversight or care, Governor of this Island or to the Commandeurs of the Predikants), according to the following orders:- of the Provinces of Jaffna and Galle. The provision of the necessary expenses for the The decision whether the, children have attained a degree of proficiency to be discharged from the maintenance of the schoolmasters and the schools,, schools should be a matter for the genera* dis­ and also the repairs of the same, and likewise cretion of the Scholarchs and the Predikants. also the imposition of fines on those who do not send their children to school or those who do not If the Scholarchs find that the Dutch Childrea themselves attend at Church services and those who who are 4 -ox■■•5. years of age are not sent to ipjg SO -THJ& .JOU'RN^l; OF-."THE O.UTCH .BURGHER tfXIOJS -51 R . school, they shall see to it that the parents do "-."■-_ so. '■.-■. ' "" The Dessavas. shall especially see that the chi­ ldren of the native Chiefs, Arachchies, Mayoraals, ,. The Scholarchs shall take good care to see sh.offs and those who are in authority over others .."..', that the native girls above the age 'of 8 years are attend regularly at the schools as far as It is well protected and not misled by the voluptuous­ possible. ness of the boys and others. (Below): in the Castle of Batavia, March 1667. For this purpose, the girls shall be admitted (Lower);. By order of their Honouis- (Signed): to. school early, in order that they may be profi­ Joannes -van Riebeeek. cient to be discharged from school when they are (Certified by); S. Anderson, Secretary, ' .'."''.' about 10 years of age. A Church Order was also subsequently issued The Scholarchs shal! conduct a- general ins­ by the Governor in the year 1699, which is rep­ pection of the schools every 2 months at least, roduced below: . . either with one of the Predikants or-alone, so that , this essential work may not be neglMed but stea- Order issued by the Honourable Governor ", ' . dily maintained. and Director Gerrtt de Heere, to be observed by all those who belong to (i.e. are employed in) When the time is ripe for the proposed ins­ pection, the Scholarchs shall noti/y the same to the schools. the Governor or the Commandeurs of the Provin- The children of baptised parents who are above ,.-.. ces, in order that the brother Predikants may be 6 years of age shall be enrolled in the school on informed of the same by His Excellency, so that the day of the general inspection, one of them may attend at the inspection, from , which, duty they will not be excused except f*.r The parents of such enrolled children shall send genuine reasons. them regularly daily to school; but in the case of The Predikants and Scholarchs shall mutually families were there are 4 children, two of them shall attend school on alternate days, and in the . ' give due respect to each other in order to avoid case of families with 3 children, one or two of all contentions ani disputes, and so that each one rhem shall attend school daily as ordered by the would be worthy of his office, and in order that Scholarchs. no vexation or erabarassment is cause i to the tender Christians as this is a mutter of the greatest importance. When the . children assemble at schooi, ,t|ie schoolmasters shall,, after prayers are'.said and before The Scholarchs shall also maintain strict-disci­ instructing them, mart the attendance. pline and have a good oversight over the adult mitive Christians, to see" that-on-Su.idays, at alt If any of them are absent the Master shall, places where there are schools and schoolmastsrs, ascertain who is responsible for the neglect- Jf it a proper meeting is held, where Christian prayers is the fault of the children, he shall duly castigate • and religious exercises are appropriately and devoutly them; but if it is the fault of the parents they shall «. -.. L :.■ conducted.acccwrding.to .the .Church Order. fine them half a copper coin ('tammeka&sje') a day . for eaah child- fflf! 52 ■■ THB JOURNAL 'Of THE DUTCH BURGHER-UNION 33 i!i§ ;' '■' '■'"Those who fail to attend regularly at Churcn shall be notified, and he shall punish the defaulter according to the circumstances of the case. on Sundays shall be fined 4 copper coins ^tammeka- ssies*j. woman who lives in The Master shall maintain a proper register a married man, or an unmarried thereof and hand it over to the Scholarchs on the age with a baptised woman day of their inspection: those who continue to be ,-. .-.., obstinate (lit: disobedient) shall be more severely be put into chains and be set to work for punished by the Dessava on being notified by the a period of 6 months at the Company's public Scholarchs.. works. Each of those who have been discharged from Two baptised persons who live in concubinage school who do sot attend at the inspection, shall shall be fined 6 rixdollars, or, in default, be set be fined half a larin. to work for a period of 3 months at the Compa­ Every Macobado (i. e. person Jiving in unlaw­ ful wedlock) who fails to attend at the inspection ; . shall be,, apprehended by the Dessava and put into ssed and observed in ail schools, on this 15th day chains and be set to work for a period of three of May in the year 1699. in the Castle of Colombo. months at the Company's public works. (Signed): Gerrit de Heere. (Certified by): J. Broelsz, 1st clerk. Those who have stopped (lit: forbidden) any­ one's marriage banns w ithout legitimate reasons And now, in order to furnish further informa­ shall be fined 2 rixdbllars, or by default, be set tion on the state of the Churches and schools to work for a period of 2 months at the Company's here, we have deemed it useful to add the following Church report on the inspection of the schools and public work. churches here. Anyone who fails to to bring his child for baptism on the day of the inspection shall be set Report of Report on the school inspection conducted In the ' to work for a period of 4 months at the Company's an inspec- months of September and October 1704 by the public works. tionofthe Predikants Messrs. G. de Oude and P. Synjeu and Schools and the scholarch G. de Costa, submitted to His Anyone whose mirriage banns have been reg- Churches Excellency the Hon. Mr. Cornells Joan Simons, $,422(2). istered and who is riot married within a period Governor and Director of Ceylon and the dependen­ of 3 months thereafter or at the next inspection, cies thereof. shall be fined 3 rixdollars or be sent by the Dessava to work for period of 3 months at the Company's Since Your Honour has been pleased to specii public works. commission us, the undersigned, for the inspection p. 423 (/), of the country schools in the district of Colombo, The dhobies shall inform, the Masters every and to duly submit our report on the same to Your ;. week, whether there is any child born or whether Honour, we have accordingly been firstly solicitous anyone has died; if they .fail to do so, the Dessava to find out the means whereby we could be of service THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGER UNION 3fflj in this connection and in employing the best means no letters (lit: olas) of appointment. The Church of carrying out the same diligently. building was still in a reasonably good condition: the roof is thatched with straw. The seal on the The measures which we have found to be placcaat which hangs according to the old custom necessary therefor, and the use we have made of the in the Chureh was torn (off). same, are respectfully submitted to Your Excellency Rammukkana, 29th September. in our observations attached hereto* The school children who were examined, as before We have hereby observed that the position of answered well, and those who had been discharged the native Christians is as presented by us now with from school too and the people and also the parents all due respect to Your Excellency. who presented their children for baptism answered satisfactorily. We shall, subject to your Excellency's pleasure, present our findings here, not under the usual head­ The Master, Domingo Fernando, and his Assis­ ings, since we do so briefly in our recommenda­ tant Masters Don Simon and Don Philippe, said tions, but will note what we have observed from that they had learnt the shorter and the larger Cate­ school to school in the order in which our inspection chisms of the Rev. Mr. Rual, but at their examination had begun and proceeded. they were unable to answer correctly most of the matters: they were also extremely off their mark. Wewala, 2iith September. From some of the answers given by them in which they had to use their brains (lit; judgment), it was The school children, who had learnt by heart likewise evident that they could very well benefit by the simple Catechism of the Rev. Mr. Rual, having further instruction. The Master and his Assistant been questioned in turn (i. e. individually) on the Masters have no letters of appointment. The Church same, answered the questions quite promptly. Those is a solid building with a tiled roof. The placcaat who had been discharged from school and the other is torn. Christian inhabitants generally answered well to questions from the Catechisms of the late Mr. Rual, Horana. 30th September. and also other relevant questions regarding God, the soul and the conscience. The school children here answered promptly without hesitation. Those who had been discharged The parents who presented their children for from school and the other Christians also answered baptism, who were also specially examined on the the questions and propositions which were put to doctrine of baptism, answered reasonably satisfactorily. them satisfactorily like the above, and the parentt who - presented their children for baptism too Were The schoolmaster, Don Pedro, and his Assistant reasonably intelligent (i. e. knowledgeable) - Master Jose Alvis, had learnt the short Catechism of Mr. Rual and a part of the larger Catechism, and The Master, Ignatio Correa, had learnt the larger on their being examined on the questions from and the shorter Catechism of the late Rev. Mr. Rual both catechisms as well as on natural theology, they and also gave satisfactory and prompt answers to answered quite well and appeared to be diligent nearly all the questions. He (i. e. the Master) had men and possessed of good discernment. They have instructed the school children and the Church folk TfiE JOURNAL OF , THE L DUTCH BURGHER UNION 5?H quite well and maintained good discipline. He has no letter of appointment, and he requested the ser­ they showed proof of diligence and good unders­ vices of an Assistant Master. The Church building tanding at their examination. The Master here had is solid and in good condition, and roofed with tiles, carefully preserved the placcaat. The school buil­ and the placcaat is torn. ding is solid, with a tiled roof.

Uduwara 1st October. The previous Master, who had served for 25 years and was released (lit: excused) owing to his The School children here were found to be old age, requested to be granted .some maintenan­ reasonably good. Those who had been discharged ce owing to his great poverty. .,,.. from school ('Largados') and the other Christians Afutgama. 3rd & 4th Ocotber. answered some of the questions only fairly well, and likewise too the parents who presented their The school children were found to be as sat­ children for baptism isfactory as before. Those who had been dischar­ ged from school and the other native Christians The Assistant Master, Don Manuel, here pro­ answered reasonably well to most of the qnestions visionally performs the duties of (Head) Master. and propositions that were put to them, except He had learnt only the shorter Catechism of the the men folk. The Master, Paulo Fernandes and Rev. Mr. Rual, was found to be very ignorant at his assistant Masters Cohstantyn lopas and Michael his examination and could hardly answer the ques­ Fernando had learnt both the larger arid the shorter tions in Catechism, and was also very confused. Catechism aforementioned, and they answered ­ The placcaat too was written (Note: the word in sfactorily and promptly at their examination to the the printed text reads 'geschreven* i. e. written: questions on the contents of both Catechisms; and judging from the context, this is probably an error they also understood the reasonings in most of for Mescheurd* i. e. torn). The Church building she matters, and also gave satisfactory answers to was in a reasonably good condition and had a other questions that were put to them. One of tiled roof. The inspection of this school was con­ these Masters has" no letter of appointment The ducted without any tumult or disorder and with school building is in good condition and has a the satisfaction of the inhabitants. tiled roof. Diagama. 2nd October. Beruwala. 4th October.

The school children answered quite well the The school children here were rather backward questions from the Catechism which they had and most of them were unwilmg to attend school karnt. Most of those had been discharged from Those who had been , discharged from school and school gave satisfactory answers to the questions the other Christians answered satisfactorily here and which were put to them: likewise too the parents there to some of the questions, but most of them, espe­ cially the women, could not express themselves well. of those who presented their children for baptism. The parents who presented their children for baptism answered some of the questions here and there. The Master, Don Joans and his Assistant The Master, Simon Fernando, and his assistant Master Master had learnt only the shorter Catechisms but Don Philippe, had learnt the shorter Catechism and [158 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION S9m parts of the larger Catechism. They answered the ques­ tUtutara Gravels. 6th October. tions and propositions that were put to them rather reasonably. They have no letters of appointment, The school children were found to be reasonably and they also complained that very few of the good. Of those who had been discharged from school, inhabitants here came to Church, and also that the men folk answered reasonably well, but among those who who attended paid little attention. The the women folk there was nearly.no one who was school building is in good condition and has a tiled roof, and the placcaat was torn. able to answer. They were mostly children. The adults did not attend. The Master, Don Francisco* />. 424 (2). Maggona. 5th October, and the Assistant Master Don Joans had learnt the shorter Catechism, but they answered questions only The school children were able to answer their fairly well, and did not appear to possess the nece­ Catechism questions well. Those who had been ssary ability. The placcaat was torn, but the school discharged from school and the other Christians too building was in good condition and had a tiled roof. answered quite satisfactorily to both questions from the Catechism and other questions which were put We understood that both here and also at to them. The Master, Maniko Fernando and the Amtgama, the Masters collect some monies for Assistant Master Joan Fernando had learnt the burials of corpses in the school graveyard, which aforementioned shorter Catechism and parts of were then handed over to the Predikants at the the larger Catechism. They gave satisfactory answers inspection, who gives them over to the Dessava who to various questions that were put to them. A maintains an account thereof. The Master of thjs _ request by the Master to use the services of his school came and reported to us that the Rev. Mt, sou for school duties was allowed. The school Gating, at the last inspection; had ordered him to building is in a good condition and has a tiled bring tp his house the monies received for the roof. opening up of graves, which he, the Master had also done after the completion of the last inspection, amo­ Payagala. 5th October. unting to 5 rixdollars, 3 larins and two copper coins ('Tammekassies'). On being asked the reason why The school children were found to be as satis­ he here informed us of this„ he replied that It was factory as before Those who had been discharged because we should know about it and that it was from school and the other Christians were examined his duty to do so. On being further asked if there as before, and answered fairly well. The Master, were any monies still due, and why he had nor de-? liyered the same to us, he replied that there was Don Joan, and the Assistant Master Joan Pins, know in fact some monies outstanding, but that he had the larger and the shorter Catechisms aforemen­ not collected them nor handed them over because tioned, and they answered reasonably well all the he was not ordered to do so. We have not given questions on the Catechisms and other questions him any further orders in this connection. that were put to them. The school building is in Kalutara. River 7th October. good condition and has a tiled roof, but the placcaat was torn. The school children here satisfactorily answered questions on what they had learnt. Those who had ■H«> THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BUKGHBK DMWS' 61 Oil been discharged from school too, and also the good understanding mostly all the questions and parents who presented their children for baptism, propositions that were put to them. The parents answered the questions quite well. The Master who presented their children fox baptism also gave Michial Antoni, had learnt the whole of the shorter p. 425 (2). much satisfaction. The Master, Silvester Alwis, Catechism and a portion of the larger Catechims. The was a zealous and active man and lie knew the Assistant Master, Domingo Silva, knew both Cate­ aforementioned larger and shorter Catechisms. He chisms. At the examination they gave proofs of their had made careful notes of all the questions and efficiency, and especially the Assistant Master, who their answers at some earlier inspections, assiduously was a zealons and knowledgeable person. The instructed his people and the school children, and school building is in good condition and has a tiled gave full satisfaction at his examination. His roof. Assistant Master, Antoni Pins, knew the shorter Catechism and a part of the larger Catechism, and Waluwe (? Wadduwa). 7th October. also answered the questions quite well at his examination; jje had no letter of appointment. The The school children were as satisfactory as Master had a copy of the placcaat, which was before. Those who had been discharged from school also torn here. The school building is solid and and the other Christians did quite well at their has a tiled roof. examination, especially the women folk. The school master Andre Rddrigo was absent oh account of Horatuwa. $th October. illness: he knew the aforesaid larger and shorter Catechisms. According to the testimony of the The school children were found to be as satis­ Kanakapulles, he has no letter of appointment. . . factory as before. Likewise too those who had been Marco Pereira, who performs provisional duty as discharged from school and the other Christians Assistant Master, said' that knew the shorter and also the parents who presented their children Catechism. He was also examined at the house oj for baptism. The Master, Sebastian'Corre;-and-tiis"- the Rev. Mr. Goting along with his ■ felldw-s'alli-'- Assistant Master Thome Corre, knew the aforemen­ citant, but could answer hardly anything at the tioned shorter Catechism and a part of the larger examination, wherefore he was told that before the Catechism, but they said (lit: testified) that they next inspection he should know the shorter Catechism had left off learning the larger Catechism, as the well or that he should otherwise not be an Assistant -Rev. Mr. Goting had at the last inspection expre­ Master. The Church building is solid and in ssly ordered them not to learn the same any more, good ■condition and has a riled roof, but here too nor to let the.school children leara the same;, and the placcaat was torn. they also said that this order had ibeea given by the Rev. Mr. Goting to all the schoolmasters* Panadura. 8th October. which we later, on further inquiry, found to be so, The school children here had learnt great The Master and Assistant Master aforesaid, gave us extraordinary satisfaction at their examin­ deal and well and were, prompt in their answers, ation in their answers not only to questions on Those who had been discharged from school and the Catechism, but also to various other difficult „the other Christians answered intelligently and with ' propositions which were put to them. They reques- iHlg-62 THB JOURNAL.'OF THE" DUTCH BURGHER UNION - 63 ffi

ted to be given the questions that *were put them of the larger Catechism. The Assistant Master, ■in writing. The Church building is solid, and has a Caspar Femandes, knew only the shorter Catechism. • tiled roof They gave as the reason for their inefficiency the burden of their duties and the prohibition order Gaikissa/ 10th October, of the Rev. Mr. Goting. ■ ■ -■■ The school children, were as satisfactory as The Master gave reasonable satisfaction at his before, and likewise too those 'who had been dis­ examination; but the Assistant Master was very charged from school* and also the parents who nervous and answered little, and very poorly at ■ • presented theit children for baptism. The Master that. Joan Piris had learnt the shorter Catechism and a part' of the larger Catechism, and his Assistants The Master conducts no services here on ­ Masters John Rodrigos, and Michel Pereira had also days, but attends Church with his people, who are done so. They gave satisfactory answers to nearly mostly Tamils, with the Tamil Master; he also all the questions and propositions that were put to does no catechising, and requested to be provided them. One of the Assistant Masters had no lt-tte with a book of sermons if he was required to do of appointment so, so that he could read them to his people like what is done at the Tamil Church, This school The school children and Church Members can­ is broken down, and the Master therefore conducts not be adequately attended to' by the Master and school In the Tamil sehool there. the Assistant Master owing account of . their large r numbers. The inhabitants live htre in far ani wide Megombo Tamii School 16th October. : .areas, and a great number of them live close to Colombo, wherefore they seldom come to Church The school children, who were questioned in p. 428,(1). . or sentf their children to school on account of the the old Catechism, answered reasonably" Well, but great distance that they have to travel. In order to ., ^.relieve them of this inconvenience, it would be good very few, hardly half the number of the people if a school could be established outside the Guile attended at the examination, and they were found Gate, as it is intended to do so. ■to be veay poor in knowledge: only 6 or 8 "of the entire number gave any answers to any of the Negombo Sinhalese Church, iSth October. questions, No answer at all was forthcoming from The school children here were poorly taught. the others. One of them, on being questioned, They were hardly able to answer the questions in confessed that the Papists had forbidden him to the words of the Catechism. Those who had been answer (any questions). discharged from school, and the other Christians, were most of them unable to answer anything, The Master of this school, Manuel de Melo» Very few of them were even passable. The fathers and his Assistant Master Diego Teixera, had learnt of the children who were presented for baptism the three Tamil Catechisms, and on being duly were all of them absent. The" Master, Silvestui questioned, they answered fairly reasonably. This Pereira, had learnt the shorter Catechism and a put school is in a very poor condition. II 64 "THE JOURNAL ' Of" " THE' '' DUTCH' BURGHER UNIOJN 65 (j§i$ p. 426 {2). Hunupitiya and Toppu, 17th October. A certain person named Antoni da Costa, who According to the usual pract ice, both these was the former schoolmaster of Hunupitiya, but? just because he was dismissed, does much damage schools • were simultaneously inspected as all the (lit: evil) here, goes around instructing the people Christians belong to them. The school children of in their homes in the Papish religion, and draws both these schools, on being separately questioned* away (i. e. seduces) many persons- were able to answer only fairly here and theres but the people were not able to speak at al! for From everything that we have observed here. the reason stated above, which was confessed again we have come to the conclusion, that most of the by one of their folk. Many more of them would con;mon folk who are so-called members of the have confessed, but they were 'tipped the wink' Reformed religion are ignorant and staunch Roman by others. A woman too would have recited her Catholics. It is indeed a: pity that native Christi­ Ave Maria if she was not checked by others. anity, which prior to this, under the oversight of The churches of .Hunupitiya and Toppu are in the Predikants, had been an example of knowledge ruins. The Masters therefore hold no Church ser­ and zeal for other Churches in the country, has vices, :nor do they instruct the people, The Master now declined to such a degree: above all other at Hunupitiya does not care fox the'Children. considerations, through lack of supervision, or rather the connivance of those, whose duty it mostly "At Toppu however there is an ola shed where should be to be vigilant against these breaches of the Master perhaps assembles together some children the placcaats, and who also introduce (i. e. encourage) and therewith does his best, so that everything is other rascals (lit: snobs), as has hitherto happened- allowed to run wild. The schoolmaster of Hunu- P'ittSpaneara, iSth October. . pitiya was absent on account of illness. His Assis­ tant Master could not answer at ail at his exami­ The school children were found to be good. nation. . Both Masters however draw salaries from Those who had been discharged from school and the the" Honourable Company. The schoolmaster of other Christians answered mostly all the questions Toppu had learnt the three Tamil Catechisms fairly and propositions that were put to them promptly, reasonably, and he answered reasonably well at diligently and satisfactorily, as in any other school ■ his examination. THe"Master, Alexo Pins, and/his Assistant Master We understood here that the Papists oftera Franciscus Fernando, knew the three Tamil Cate­ came to NegombO, and worked at Negombo in the chisms. 'The Master was a zealous and active (lit; house of a certain Dutch lady, widow of a free­ vigilant)' man, and was able to answer everything man, whose name we were unable to ascertain: very precisely. The Assistant Master was also reaso­ they held services in a shed (maduwa). Their nably' good. The school building' is solid and firm, images and further ornaments were also housed aad has a tiled roof. there.. There was one also in the house of the Pattangatyn, and one at Cronho (? Kuranaj in the CJandagamuwa, S9th Octo&er. house of the Foreman of the Carpentry, and one also at the house of the Messenger of the Orphanage ■ The ■ school children here had a sound knowledge. at Negornbo:"' " Among-shose-who had been discharged from, school ■ . THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BUKGHEK UNION 67 §H

and the other Christians, the women answered best. was in a poor condition and was thatched with The parents who presented their children for bap­ straw. tism were generally good, The Master, Marco de Silva. answered satisfactorily at his examination; but Hagarnuwa, 22nd October. his provisional Assistant Master Alfonso Fonseca, The school children were able to answer the who was appointed at the last inspection by the Rev, questions reasonably well. Those who had been Mr. Goting, and was also examined, could not discharged from school, and the other Christians, answer one word and could hardly read and write. except just a very few of them, were found to be The school building is in a reasonably good con­ poorly instructed. The school master Bastiaan Fonceka, dition and the roof is thatched with straw. and the Assistant Master Don Marco, knew the shor­ ter Catechism of the Rev. Mr. Ruel and a part of Pamunugama, 19th October. the larger Catechism. The Master did well at his The school children were found to be as good examination, and the Assistant Master fared fairly as those in the above school Those who had been well They have no letters of appointment. The discharged from school and the other Christians school building is old and dilapidated, and has a answered satisfactorily. The parents who presented tiled roof. their children for baptism also answered satisfacto­ rily. The Master, Don Philippe, knew the shorter Since this school has been sold by public auc­ Catechism and answered reasonably well at his tion, together with the Church graveyard and garden, examination. The school building is in a bad condition to Bastiaan Dewaga of the Coast (of India), the and it is thatched with straw. owner has hindered (lit: forbidden or prevented) the inhabitants and the school children for the past 10 Weragampitiya Tamil School, 20th October, months from coming to the Church or the school, and has thus impeded the work. He will also not The school children were able to answer their allow the inhabitants now to bury their dead in the Catechism questions well. Those who had been dis­ churchyard, saying the the land has been purchased charged from school too answered satisfactorily, but by him. The inhabitants however bury their dead mostly the men folk, and likewise too the parents by force. The Korala complained on behalf of the who presented their children for baptism. The Master people about this sale and requested that the school, George da Costa had learnt the three old Catechisms the Church, and the churchyard might continue to and answered promptly and ably at his examination; be as before, in order to avoid the greatest scandal he was able to answer all the questions that were among the heathens, that we have sold the resting- put. to him intelligently. The school building was in places of their friends and ancestors which were a very bad condition and was thatched with straw. previously consecrated to God.

. Welisara, 20th October. Since this sate took place the people here sel­ The school children were as good as the above. dom come to Church. This school previously had Those who had been discharged from school answered the services of a cattaponnel (i.e. barge or ferryboat), quite satisfactorily. The school master Don Carlo which was supervised by one of the Company's paid gave satisfaction in everything. The school building natives, and which ferried across the people who bad 11168 THE* JOURNAt' OF TBE-' DUTCH BURGHER UNION «*■ ...v : :.: 40 cross the river. This vessel (i. e. barge) has also The school building was in a reasonably good condi­ been removed, to the great inconvenience of those tion and had a tiled roof. who have been discharged from school and the school children, who are therefore unable to come over to Kelaniya, 23rd October. . .. the church, or school from the other side (of the river). The people from Dedigama too seldom come As the wood and tiles at the Pannebakkery have to' Church,: to be transported from there, the people also come here. Since no Church or school exists here any KotaiawaSa.,' 22nd"' October. longer, the children run wild; apart from those who are registered as school children in the roll, there are The people from Kotalawala also come to about a hundred children here who are fit to attend ' . ■ . Nagamuwa for the inspection since there is no school. Although they were duly notified in advance. school at the place. For the past 3 years, on the no one however attended from this school at the p. 428 (1). warning of the Master, that the school building was inspection, except only the parents who presented dilapidated, it has further broken down, and the their children for baptism. The school master, Louis , . woodwork and the tiles have been carried away. Gomes, knew the two Catechisms and answered The Master has given no instruction all that time promptly and intelligently nearly all the questions to the people and the school children, so that and propositions that were put to him: he also everything' is running wild here. Except for the parents draws a salary from the Hon, Company. who- presented their childrea for baptism, none of those who had been discharged from school or the The Yogies have some time ago erected a little school children belonging to this school attended, garden plot near the demolished Pagoda, which was ''"',' although they were notified as usual to do so. granted by His Excellency the Governor, for the use The Master, Don Antoni, knew only the shorter of the school master when a school is established lv yt' Catechism, but however fared reasonably well at there in due course; but since the demolition of this his" examination; He also draws a salary from the school, three or four Yogies have come over there? Hon. Company:' We have estimated the numbers at and the Vidana of Kelaniya has, on his own autho­ this school according to the notes made at the rity, taken away from the present school master the : time when the school was demolished. aforementioned garden plot and given it over as p. 428 (2). their own possession to the said Yogies, who have ■■"*■" Pannebakkery, 23rd October/'' also taken up their residence there and they now .:-";.:■.:.- -. " .The school- children here ..answered reasonably remain there to collect alms from the charity of the '.■...■•'■■■ ;■.',*...,■.'■• welL, Those who . had been discharged from school? heathens who come there on pilgrimages to make especially, the menfolk, satisfactorily answered nearly their offerings and pay their devotion, which they all the questions that were put to them as usual. also do with the performance of rites. During their Likewise too the parents who presented their child­ offering, they also blaze out on conch shells. During ren for baptism. The Master- and ■'his Assistant the months of April, May and June there is a great ■ '- -Master'Don Joan, "knew the shorter'Catechism and gathering of people assembled here., so that this place ■■ a part of the larger Catechism, and they, especially with the Yogies living there is very damaging for "'- • '' ■ "the Master, answered well at their ■ examination. these weak Christians. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION f\ 'ifc

Cotta, 24th October. morning and evening prayers, the prayers before and after meals, the 12 articles of "the Christian The school children answered quite well the faith, the Ten Commandments, the larger and the questions from the Catechism. Those who had been shorter Catechisms of the late Rev. Mr. Rual discharged from school, and the other Christians* which deal with the fundamentals of the Reformed also gave satisfaction in their answers. The school religion and also the comfort of the sick. master, Don Philip* and his Assistant Master Fran­ cisco Cobraak (sic), had learnt the shorter Cate­ In the Tamil schools there are, besides the chism and a part of the larger Catechism. They abovenamed prayers, articles of faith, the ten Comm­ gave full satisfaction in their answers to all the andments, three Catechisms, the first of which questions, especially the Assistant Master, who is deals with the fundamentals of the Christian reli­ an able man. gion and the two others deal with the history of the Old and New Testaments, one book consisting This school has a tiled roof, but is dilapidated of sermons regarding God, His creation, His Provi­ and threatens to collapse on one side being very dence, etc. There are also Tamil psalms and spiri­ badly constructed (lit: propped up). tual hymns and the gospel of St. Matthew. Wolvendaal, 25th October. In all the Sinhalese schools on Sundays only The school children were only fairly good. the prayers of comfort for the sick are read by Among those who had been discharged from school, the Masters, the larger and shorter Catechisms are just a few only answered well here and there. The recited in the hearing of the adults by two cap­ parents who presented their children for baptism able school children who question and answer each too had little knowledge of religion, except one of other. Thereafter, those who have been discharged them here and there. The schoolmaster Domingo from school ('largados') are Catechised from the Dias knew the shorter Catechism and some part aforementioned Catechism and instructed by the of the larger Catechism here and there: he however Masters. showed a good understanding of most of the ques­ tions and propositions that were put to him. He But in the Tamil schools the Masters read either a chapter from the Gospel of St Matthew or conducts Church and school in the verandah of the a sermon, especially on Feast (i. e. Communion) house at Wolvendaal since there is no school there. days, selecting a sermon specially suitable for the He complained about the negligence and apathy of occasion. Those who are discharged from school both the adults as well as the school children, are however not catechised here. maintaining that it was caused by the great ingress of the Papish religion among the inhabitants around In our examination of those who had been disch­ there. arged from school and the other Christians, we have used the aforesaid means, the reasons for The means of acquiring a knowledge of the which are mentioned in our comments but as a Christian Reformed religion in all the schools are rule we have put the questions on the contents of very poor and meagre. For the Sinhalese schools the Catechisms to them in different words and in there is nothing else but the Lord's Prayer, the a particular order, and questioned them on several 72 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UJ>TON 73-J other matters than those contained in the Catechi­ and where no objections are lodged, authorises the sms, and always explained to them the proofs of Master to have the marriage solemnised, which the various propositions and their interpretations. has hitherto not been practised in other schools. We have also put several questions to them on general topics regarding God, the Spirit and the We have had the Roll of Macebados (i. e. persons Conscience. who live in unlawful wedlock) read at some schools, and examined the same in order to investigate and. It would be impractical for us to give Your ascertain what could be done about these excesses Excellency in writing (a list of) all the questions (i. e. breaches). After having made sufficient in­ and propositions which were put by us at all the vestigations for our purpose, we have suspended aforementioned schools and the answers to the our investigations for some time because we know same, for we consider it to be beyond our purview very well that there was really no purpose in to mention everything without complete eertainty. dealing with this type of people unless more strin­ For Your Excellency's information, we have gener­ gent orders were issued by Your Excelfency in ally appen4ed to this report a fair number of the this connection. questions and answers in their own words (i. e. verbatim) that were asked and answered at all the As regards the position of the native Christi­ schools, except the Tamil schools at Negombo. At ans at Mutwal in this City and those at Slave the examination that was conducted by us at the Island, we were unable to obtain any definite in- aforementioned schools, except at Beruwala and at formation as the schools are demolished, the tombos Negombo, the inhabitants who attended were gene­ are lost, and the Masters have either died or gone rally attentive and teachable and showed great away. On investigations made by us, we have only eagerness and desire to answer, and openly expressed been able to ascertain that at Slave Island a native their satisfaction with our mode of procedure, who has come over there from the Coast (of India) thanked us for instructing them and for our frien- has been busy instructing the children of the p. 429 (2). dly attitude and for having listened to them with Company's slaves there in the Roman Catholic religion patience to which be himself belongs, From the ola letters which we found in his possession, and from which : The Masters of the various schools however he instructs the children, we found that they con­ complained, some more than the others, that so sist of two Roman Catholic hymns of praise and few; of the inhabitants come to Church and send one to the honour of the Virgin Mary and a thejir. children regularly to school. Roman Catholic prayer book. The ingress of the At all these schools fines are no longer exa­ Roman Catholic religion among the Parruas and cted, except at Negombo, where the Mudaliyar sees Carreas in and around Colombo gives us reasons that the same are collected and, with the knowledge to fear that that the Company's slaves too are not of the Dessava, hands over the amounts collected uncontaminated by this leaven, which we are all to the Diaconate. the more convinced of since we did not know that during the past 3 years some children of the Com­ The Mudaliyar there also issues licences to the pany's slaves, except about 4 or 5 persons in the inhabitants' to marry, proclaims the marriage banns, Church here who were baptised according to the 74 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER ONION 75 « old practice, because we have observed several little thing and another in the case of incompetence of slave children in this island who have been bapti­ the children. sed by the Papists or those who were adherents of the Papist religion. (2). We restrict ourselves to matters which these persons were engaged in; for we observed that, if we pt 430 (7) We have also annexed hereto for Your Excellency's went beyond that, we should be guilty of an information a short statement of the number of injustice according to the recognised rule: "Ultra Christians in the aforementioned schools as registered posse nemo obligatur". So we would make our in the Tombos maintained in each school, and also report on their position according to our findings a statement showing what the school children in each on what they could accomplish (i. e. on their abilities) school had learnt. considering the subject matter of their tuition and what we could expect therefrom. It has been our intention to give Your Excellency a true account and thereby comply with Your Exce­ p 430 {2) We considered it necessary to understand the methods llency's respected order and good . intention; and of teaching which they (i.e. the native Christians) since we feel assured that we have endeavoured to had previously enjoyed and what they now enjoy, do the former, we trust that we would have achieved through the Ministers and the sehool masters, in the latter too. order to see what grounds of conviction of the We beg, with all due respect, to be; Your Exce­ Christian religion might have been laid thereby. llency's obedient servants: Otherwise, it could well be, that through ignorance and imprudence, we would have expected such grounds (Signed): G. de Oude, P. Synjeu and G. da Costa. of conviction which they neither naturally nor through (In the margin): Colombo, 12th November 1704. the subject matter of their tuition or further ins­ Certified by): G. J. Brouse, 1st clerk. truction, could have been capable of. Addressed TO: The Right Honourable Mr. Cornells Joan Simons, (4), We have deemed it to be our duty to ascertain to the Hon. Governor and Director of the Island of Ceylon with the degree of their comprehensibility and judgment Mr. Simons the dependencies thereof. to understand matters concerning (i. e. propositions thereover Right Honourable Sir, in) natural theology, not so much in order to be We submit below our comments regarding the able thereby to report on their position, but for outcome of our examination at this inspection, our our own information as well, so that we might be decisions as a result ,of our findings, the defects, in a position thereby to be able to arrive at a and the measures. by which more benefits could be decision for. the future regarding their fitness or derived for Sinhalese Christianity. unfitness. Attention should be given to the following matters: (5). We also decided to make a careful note, as far (1) We consider it to be necessary that a full investi­ as possible, of all the detects of these persons which gation be made in regard to everything. For the came to our notice, in regard to both their under­ actual state of affairs cannot be judged by question­ standing and judgement, and the subject matter and ing the children only, and the Masters over one methods of their tuition, as well as other deficiencies. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 77 (6). And lastly, following automatically from the Finally^ we examined the Masters of each school, above, so that we might also study the means or, if two schools were near each other, they were whereby these defects could be remedied and they examined together, maintaining the same order of may be further enlightened which too we have duly procedure and questions which were followed in the recorded. case of those who had been discharged from school These are the lines on which we have directed ('Largados'), which examination too generally lasted our investigations, in order to be able to present about 2 hours or longer. the actual position of the schools, by which means Thereafter, we applied ourselves to discovering alone we hoped to be able to do so. all the defects, either by deciding them on our For which purpose, we firstly made the child­ own findings or out of the statements of the Masters, ren who knew only the prayers recite the same having ascertained which, we were in a position to be able to report what action should be taken Thereafter we made those who knew the shorter thereanent according to our opinions. and the larger Catechisms of the Rev. Mr. Ruel answer questions from the same. How ably each one was So, as regards the examination, in order to able to do so could be seen from the report annexed avoid going into details, we shall only comment hereto. on those who had been discharged from school ('Largados') and the Masters, as Your Excellency Thereafter, we proceeded to examine those who could see from the report annexed hereto what the had been discharged from school ('Largados') and position is regarding the children. Regarding the the Church folk, over which we generally spent former, except at the Tamil schools at Negombo, about 2 hours or more, examining first the men and our questions on the larger Catechism of the Rev. then the women, on the larger Catechism of the Mr. Ruel were generally answered in our particular aforesaid Mr. Ruel, but adhering to our own order order of questioning and method of procedure in and method of examining in all the churches, but mostly, all the other churches, and the questions on so that, after completing our examination on the Natural Theology were also attentively and eagerly larger Catechism, we put a number of various other answered, as we always wish to discharge our questions to them. When the questions on the Cate­ responsibilities. chism were completed, we proceeded at every Church to examine them in propositions in Natural Theology It is true that there is a noticeable difference the order and the number of which questions could between one Church and another, but this is so in be seen from the report annexed hereto, maintain­ all institutions and the same reasons apply every­ ing the same system uniformly in all the churches. where.

Thereafter, we proceeded to examine those who It is also true that sometimes very simple presented their children for baptism on the doctrine questions are incorrectly answered, but we are of of baptism, which every believing Christian who wished to have his child baptised should know, the opinion that one must make due allowance permitting the same to those who answered satisfac­ for the reasons why the questions were incorrectly torily and rejecting, according to the old custom, answered; as well as for their ignorance of the those who could -not answer satisfactorily. respective questions. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 79 ip

The Masters were also found to be of different an aspect of religion), are all matters from which standards of efficiency, but most of them were fit it would not be easy to lead them away and by for this office according to the work they had to do. which they are deceived: in fact, these were inci­ Whenever they did what they can according to dentally some of the answers given. what is expected of them, they were, in our opinion, considered to be fit for their office; and so, accor­ But we must not judge them too harshly in ding to our findings, we must testify that most of these matters, nor blame one person or the other, them were generally competent in their knowledge i. e. by accusing those who are connoisseurs of of the larger Catechism and in propositions in Natural heathen antics, who may however be responsible Theology. for the same though there are no definite or certain proofs thereof; for we have to consider, that in. The above considerations make us primarily come the district of Colombo, there are persons belon­ to the conclusion that Your Excellency, from the afore­ ging to the schools too who are no less responsi­ mentioned circumstances, would agree with us that ble for the same, for we find that by far the there are sufficient grounds of hope, and that the greater number of them are heathens who do not Reformed religion having progressed thus far, would, belong to the school, and it is obvious therefore by further measures, zeal and diligence, make deeper that they practice all superstitions of the heathens; impressions among this rightly-named tender Chris­ but we must not 'paint the school-going persons tian community, to the glory of God, the joy of with the same brush', although it could well be God's Church, and the welfare of the State. that there are several persons among them too. There is all the more reason for hope beyond Nevertheless, notwithstanding the fact that they, doubt in this our conclusion, since these are people in our opinion, fulfil the hope of further progress in whom nothing is easily quenched, as they are very and improvement (concerning the matters mentioned attentive and have a good sense of judgment, which regarding them which Your Excellency is generally we have discovered in several of them even beyond partly aware of), we have in mind the following our expectations. What is even more favourable for defects and deficiencies in several matters which our conclusion is the fact that this nation is really would be useful for further progress:- a community who have in fact no knowledge at all (1). We discovered that they had no adequate of the heathen religion (which they could make use reasons for throwing away their heathen sxtperstit- of), except that there are favourable and unfavour­ ions and doctrines, which we found to be the case able times for people which they judge according to in all churches, and which must be a necessary various occurrences and that the heavenly bodies con­ prerequisite among this race, for, not being cogni­ trol the lives of individuals. The different ways in zant of the falsehood of an accepted doctrine, which this operates they are quite unable to say. their souls cling to it, hinder them from going which superstitions even several persons of the Dutch over to the truth, takes away the desire for the Reformed Church faith are not entirely free from. same, makes them entertain this falsehood secretly Among these, exorcism (so called) 'Driving away the and embarass and cherish the same, as they are Devil from the bodies (lit: souls) of people into assured of the freedom to do so. The evidence of those of various wtldbeasts, differences of caste (as truth is the beginning of reformation: the counten- THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION Sl'HjJE ancing of falsehood causes it to decline, and only We have likewise also observed that the the truth can buiid it up. aforesaid late Reverend Gentleman has given his p. 432 (2). attention to this too, as among his documents we (2). We have also noticed, that this Sinhalese race also found various verses on the Holy Scriptures, but does not have sufficient knowledge regarding the we are quite ignorant of the reasons why they were fundamentals derivable from the light of Conscience not made use of, to be induced by speculation in (i. e. reasoning on) the natural truths to bring them over to the Chri­ stian religion. These are the hardships which we would place before your Excellency as obstacles, which must There is nothing that the soul cherishes more be entirely removed, and unless action is taken than the truth, an image of what they could regard against them, we feel that our conscience should as their guide (i. e. as their leading spirit), and not remain silent, lest one considers the conviction which they do not wish to depart from, and, in of the Christian truths to be unnecessary and that common language, to displease, without persuasion. the mind alone must make a. Christian (Note: ? This is indeed a defect in which the Reformation The context of this sentence is not quite clear), and experiences so much difficulty, since we here fail that the forsakers of heathenism need not be taken to consider, if not for which progress could a over by others, nor compelled to join the Christian least have been much easier to achieve. religion.

We believe that this was also the experience of our We must therefore ask each one individually to revered predecessors. To this could be attributed judge whether it is sufficient that these people have the special zeal and labour devoted thereto by the need of nothing else besides some prayers, a his­ torical catechism, one on the fundamentals of reli­ late Rev. Mr. Kat, as we have observed from the gion (which contains no reference whatever to he­ documents left over by His Reverence, who had athenism and its demolition or the natural truths collected so many documents regarding the heathen which are presented to a Reformed Christian, which religion as no one perhaps had ever done, whereby leads one, by the hand as it were, to his faith), he undoubtedly strove ,to achieve this object, which and the prayers (or readings) for the comfort of is the same as ours. the sick.

But a good intention was not always put into The Sinhaless churches have only these items effect. ' and nothing more.

And thirdly, we are of the opinion that there These deficiencies could, in our opinion, be reme­ are not adequate facilities in the schools in respect died in the following manner, whereby we should have of the services that are available especially to more hopes of success. the adults and- those who are discharged from (1). By compiling a short catechism, containing a school, which would also be of much benefit to refutation of this Sinhalese heathenism, and at the them, such ' as sermons on heathen errors and same time also, an exposition of the fundamentals natural truths presented by the Christian religion, or truths of Reformed Christianity, and what is and also genuine theological matters and certain essential for everyone who wishes to come over to chapters of the Holy Scriptures in Sinhalese. the Christian faith. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 83

(2). By introducing some Predikants who are def­ On the other Sunday, a sermon should be preached initely and feelingly interested in such matters, in on the tenets of the Christian faith, followed by order that, on all Sundays, the Christian folk a Catechism on the foundations of religion, which could listen to refutations of the heathen religion, , is already taught at the Schools. and the fundamental grounds of the Christian religion could be expounded to them. We are of the opinion that in this manner two objects would be achieved (which the circumstances (3). Likewise too, in matters of genuine theology require to be done): Heathenism would be demolis­ hed and Christianity would be built up. (as it is now practised at Jaffna and in the Tamil churches), by setting out in a few sermons the There are yet some furthsr matters which need Catechism, which is learnt by the youth. attention, which would greatly facilitate the achie­ vement of this object, which we shall add hereto as (4). In order to achieve this, we also consider being essential. that they must have the Holy Scriptures, several chapters of which are already available among the (I). That the Papists be prohibited in every way documents of the late Mr. Kat, which should be from pursuing their religious activities either legally scrutinised without loss of time by competent In­ or illegally, no one being excepted, and that no schoolmasters be tolerated other than those who possess terpreters, to be carefully tested by them. In fact, a letter of appointment, and, after prior examina­ they should also be informed of the " Fountain of tion, have been found to belong to the Reformed faith. good (i. e Salvation", from which we must obtain our own salvation, which is the fundamental basis By this means, we could prevent the Papists of the Christian faith. that come over here from dragging away the sub­ jects of the Honourable Company, and the servants of The first item would primarily be useful for the Honourable Company particularly would not so the Ministers and those who could understand the same* easily trespass against our object, and cause damage to who could make use of it for most of the children this good work in which the Honourable Company and for the Church folk on Sundays. has incurred so much expense; the Ministers would gladly perform their duties^ and since the Roman The second, third and fourth items would be Catholic religion is not at all interested in the of special use for the refutation of heathenism on Honourable Company, this is also the means by Sundays, and for edifying the people's belief (i. e. which we could be assured of having good subjects faith) in Jesus, in such a manner as we have men­ of the same and further the interests of the Company. tioned above. We are aware of certain irregularities that arise In which connection, these orders could be followed:- therefrom. According to our religion., no one is enti­ tled to baptise, other than legitimate (i. e. auth­ On Sunday mornings a chapter (from the Scrip­ orised) Ministers because the Roman Catholics aut tures) should be preached on the foundations of p. 433 (2). horise each and every one to do so, and we are heathenism and Christianity, and, after prayers are therefore obliged to re-baptise them or to accept said, the children should be made to answer que­ (lit: approve of) their baptism and experience many stions in the Catechism relating to these matters. other difficulties. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 85 JUgf Secondly, that the placcaats regarding penalties and fines might be renewed, as it was the practice These placcaats should however be put into previously, in order to help in achieving this ob­ effect very discreetly. An allowance should be made ject and that all godlessness may be removed (i. e. for the status of the individuals. The Chiefs being averted)|in the Honourable Company's territory. under a greater obligation, should, in view of their position, be more responsible, each one according The former is in the interests of order for to his ability. For it would be unreasonale, to the schools, and trie latter would prevent unreason­ place these persons on the same footing as those able and godless cohabitation, which cannot be tol­ who have nothing and lightly exempt the Chiefs, erated by a sensible administration, and which who should in fact be examples to the common militates against its policy. folk, wherefore, it is also desirable that no Chiefs should be appointed over villages other It is true that it was better that the parents than those who are of the Reformed faith. This would compel their children to attend school and that they result in more benefit than one can imagine. themselves therefore attended at school, but they have hitherto bad to be led on like 434 (1) (3). The dilapidated schools should be rebuilt, as children by the authorities (i. e. the Government) as unless this is done, instruction would be in abeyance, their fathers on account of the little inclination everything would run wild to the shame of the which these people posses*. Regarding the responsi­ Christians, their religion itself would be under su­ bilities of a father in respect of his children,we con­ spicion, and the believers treated with disrespect. sider that this too should not be neglected by the authorities (i. e. the Government). It is no Attention should all the more be given to this, constraint of conscience for those who have the because it is well known that heathenism is at intention of seeing that everything is conducted in its lowest ebb, and that these people having so little good order (i. e. with good discipline). They should predominance over the Christian religion, are more not blindly believe nor be compelled to endorse at a loose end. matters of faith whjen militate against their Therefore, the heathen temples should be dem­ conscience. It is only by maintaining discipline olished as they are opposed to our object and are over the attendance at school, which is the duty contrary to the obligations of a Christian admini­ of the authorities, that they can be like fathers (to stration (i. e. Government) and would be greatly them.) detrimental to it. In order to achieve this all sorts of idolatry should also be resisted, the Yakdessas There is no doubt that as this generation arrives (? devil drivers) , berawayas (torn torn beaters; at more years of understanding, they will automati­ and the Neckadas (? Nikayas ) should be apprehen­ cally have this desire. ded by the Koralas or Chiefs of the villages as being the off-scum of the people and be brought over to And as regards the placcaats regarding the fines the Dessava for due punishment. and penalties for Macebados (i.e. those living in un­ lawful wedlock), these are mattars which call for (5). Every Predikant should have ( the services of) even greater attention as they directly contravene a good Kanakapulle, whom he should daily instr­ Christian policy. uct during his circuit in the country, and who, THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 87 Ui though ignorant at the start, would immediately understand the position, and so that the Kanaka- (9), A brief report should also be made to the pulle would be able to understand him (i. e. the Scholarchal Board on the result of the inspection Predikant) weir and interpret him correctly, other­ regarding the state of every school in respect of wise serious abuses could taku place. By this instruction, with recommendations as to what is means, a Kanakapulle would be able to explain needed to be done, in order that action may be taken for improving them and that defects are not matters himself, which he would otherwise have glossed over. been hieapable of doing. It is not enough for one to have (the services of) KanakapuUes, but (the (10j. That when the Masters attend monthly they services of) capable men are needed, whose be dealt with in two sections, one half of them capabilities alone, in our opinion, could be depen­ (to be examined) by those who had done the ded upon. inspection, and the other half by those who are due to do it, so that the Predikants would be (6). The inspection should also be conducted every able to know how capable each one is and take three months without any interruption, as (the suitable action accordingly. presenee of) a Predikant in the country is most essential. (11) When each person has to be axamined, the examination should be done in the presence of two (7). The register of 'Largados' (i e those who had Predikants and a Scholarch, in order that each one's been discharged from school) must always be scrutinised capability (i. e. fitness) may be assessed, and and a careful record should be made of the that no one may be appointed as a Master except absentees, without which the placcaats would be those who are fit for work in the schools. ineffective. (8). A comprehensive. examination should also be (12). And in order that there would be no hitch held, and one should not be satisfied merely with in the duty of the Predikants, these people will baptising and marrying people and making the have to be met with all friendliness and modesty, children recite the Catechism; but is specially nece­ avoiding all unreasonable harshness of official ssary to exert all one's powers to examine the procedure, which would intimidate them and often 'Largados' and the Masters and instruct them, the be regarded as extravagance former in .the school, and the latter privately in order not to damage their status or make them (13). It would also be of special importance (to despised by the congregation. The examination of remember) that from their (i. e- the school inspe­ the "Largados' would inspire them more and make ctors') conduct and bearing, these tender Christians them more eager to pay attention to what they have could come to no other conclusion than that they have learnt in school and even be in a position to be come to do their duty, and that this is their sole able to teach the same to their children. The object. By this means, a reasonable good image exaTnination of the Masters would help to take would be created, such Ministers would leave behind away their laziness, make them more diligent in their a good impression and set an example themselves duties and more competent and sxiccessful (in their work). (14). As the Masters in times past were given a letter (lit: ola) of appointment and a certain code DUTCH BURGHER UNION 89 HI SS THE JOURNAL OF THE £5** We hope that we have truthfully fulfilled our of instructions to be observed by them in regard to Commission in presenting a stable method of their instruction, that this be done according to the teaching, which would be approved of by all im­ former practice in order to make a report on the partial persons, and we cherish the hope that Your state of the schools and whatever else is required Excellency will be convinced that we have given in this connection, and also to give a pertinent our attention to the truth and we beg respectfully to be statement (i. e. list of the absentees, and those who Your Excellency, Your Honour's obedient servants: have been born or died, in order to be able to know the names of those who could not come to (Signed): G. de Oude, P. Synjeu and G, da Costa. school or do not attend at the Sunday service and those who have to be baptised, as without such : (!n the Margin): Colombo. 12th November 1704. information the implementation of the placcaats (Certified by): J. Brouse, first clerk. cannot be expected, much disorder would arise and much decline Would ensue, We have thus far seen generally and particu­ larly what the position is hi regard to the chur­ 435(1). (15). They should also give careful thought to ches and schools in Ceylon; but, likewise, the Hon. everything which militates against the salutary aim Mr. Simons has devoted much care for the welfare regarding these Sinhalese folk, such as heathen id­ of the same and. given his personal earnest atten­ olatry, ceremonies, and other contravening matters. tion to restore their decline and also specially by maintaining notes, and to report the same, as devoted his care everywhere wherever it was nece­ they should know best what obstacles there are and ssary for the exterior (i. e. country) churches and what hidden evils exist among them schools, to rebuild them at the earliest opportun­ ity where they were dilapidated and done every­ To which we could add the salutary orders thing in his power for the advancement of religion which have previously been issued and used with and to render every assistance and help to the good success. visiting Predikants through the (services of the) Hon. Dessava and other officials of the Government. These then, Your Excellency, are our recommen­ dations, in regard to these S inhalese Christians. .p. 435(2). We shall for convenience reproduce the follow- We are aware that all imposture (lit: deception) is Mr.Bolscho's ing report ihereanent by the Dessava of Colombo, detestable and abhorrent and deserve special puni­ report on the Hon. Pieter Christiansz Bolscho. shment, which even their originator (lit: master) the schools "draws wool over a person's eyes" or even thinks and churches Notes on an inspection by the Dessava Mr. Bolscho he can escape from; Wherefore, we always consider regarding the remoteness of the several villages, it to be our duty and our obligation to give and his findings in regard to the several schools and churches. expression to our opinions frankly. We are assured in our minds of our conclusions, and that we have Galkissa. good experience as guides (i. e, advisers) in regard to the defects and the measures that are necessary Hulftsdorp is situated at a distance of about to counteract them. two normal walking hours from Galkissa. There is THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 91 a reasonably fine Church here with a tiled roof p, 436(1). river crossing, which is built on 38 wooden pillars which was built from 10 masoned (i. e. brick or and has a tiled roof and a wall 3£ feet high around stone) and 20 stone pillars from the heathen temple it. at Pepiliyana, with a wall of clay 3^ Rheinland feet in height. There is no garden at this Church Near Kalutara. it there is also a resthouse, 14 feet in length and Payagala is an hour's journey from Kalutara. 14| feet Wide, with a hall and 2 rooms. The school which is situated in the Kalutara Gravet Moratuwa. is 71 feet long and 37 feet broad, and is built on 47 wooden pillars, with a wall 4| feet high' The journey from Galkissa to Moratuwa is a and it has a tiled roof. The house here is 81 feet full hour's walking distance, where too there is a long and 23^ feet broad, with 3 rooms and a Church built on 52 wooden pillars, with a tiled verandah (i.e. corridor) 14| feet in breadth, which roof, with a wall of type isic) earth scarcely 4| feet is however much dilapidated. There is a fortress in height. There is also a house here, 58 feet in here under the charge of an Ensign. length and 15^ feet wide, with a hall and 2 rooms Payagala. and a verandah which serves as a dwelling house for the Predikant the Rev. Mr. Ruel, which was built Beruwala is a 3 hours journey from Kalutara. in the year 1696 of brittle earth, and it is therefore The school of Payagala is 76 feet long and 30 quite dilapidated, and a part of the verandah too feet broad, and is built on 43 wooden supports has collapsed. and has a tiled roof and an earthern wall around it 3£ feet high. There is also a dilapidated rest- This Church too has no garden, and it is 71 house here, 35 feet long and 10 foot broad. There fathoms long and 38 fathoms broad, and is built is a Company's garden near this school, with 242 on 41 wooden supports and has a tiled roof and a coconut trees, the produce of whion is collected scanty wall around it 3| feet in height which is for the Hon. Company by the Adigar of Kalutara. crumbling down in several places. There is also a p. 436 (2), There are also elephants here with their overseers or, Gajanayakas. resthouse here, 54| feet long and 17 feet broad with a hall and 2 rooms and a verandah, which is situated Maggona. at a distance of about 47 paces from the pass or river crossing from the Rayigam to the Salpiti The school of Maggona is 46 feet long and 21 feet Korale on a very pleasant spot. broad and is built on 34 wooden supports and has a tiled roof and a wall of earth 3^ feet high. Near Near this Church and this house, there are 52 it there is a garden with 140 coconut trees, the cocunut trees belonging to the Hon. Company, which produce of which is collected by the Adigar as in have been granted by a Dessava to a poor widow the coconut garden of Payagala. for keeping the Church and the house clean. After Beruwala. a journey of 2^ hours, one arrives at the school of this Church, which is 64 feet long and 26 feet broad These (i. e, the above two) schools are situated and without a garden, on the right hand side of the on the way between Kalutara and Beruwala, am-92 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 93 At Beruwala there is also a school 67| feet long at 130 paces away from the river, which is built and nearly 39 feet broad, built on 58 wooden on 40 wooden supports: it is 71 feet long and supports with a tiled roof, and a scanty wall 4 feet 39 feet broad, with a wall 3£ feet high around it, high around it. There is also a resthouse near it, and a tiled roof. There is also a resthouse here. the inner dimensions of which are 61 feet in length 47 feet long and 14 feet deep (i. e. wide) built of and 18 feet in breadth, consisting of a hall and 2 type-earth, with a roof thatched with straw. On the rooms and a _ verandah 10| feet broad. Near the side of the school there is a coconut garden with school there is a garden with 1020 coconut Wees, 140 1053 bearing trees, the proceeds of which are deli­ of which are unproductive, the other trees produce vered to the Adigar of Kalutara for the Hon company. 4000 coconuts annually : There is a large yield of arecanuts here to There was a cinnamon warehouse here, 80 feet long which serious damage is caused by pigs. and 22 feet high, and also one 127 feet long and 24 feet high. The overseers of the elephants here go to their homes hardly once in six months. The Moors living in this district are as follows: - Captain Bergman met the Dessava Pieter Chiefs Are Priests. Bar Old In the Christiansz Bolscho on the way at Galkissa on the Total. & their canut bers lame Comp's 12th of July 1705. helpers counters & service. absen Pittuwancara. tees The school of Pittuwancara is 54 feet long and At Beruwala. 161 8 4 3 2 17 127 30 feet broad, and built on stone pillars. Procee­ At Alutgama. ,160 4 10 3 - 21 122 ding thence to Negombo from 7 o'clock in the At Maggona. 49 4 1 - - 10 34 morning till 3 o'clock in the afternoon, we met Captain Bergman who was exercising the soldiers there at At Kalutara. 26 ■ 2 3 _ - 8 13 the time. In the Pasdum • Korale. 14 2 3 " "~ 3 6 Negombo.

410 20 21 6 2 59 302 The Church here at Negombo was 71 feet long and 26 feet broad: it had a preaching-desk (i. e- Of these 302 have to work for the lord of the land lectern) and 2 seats (i. e. benches) for qualified (i.e. the Company), and among them there are officers and 3 for the common folk, who are not 20 chiefs and their assistants^ 21 arecanut counters, qualified, and the others have to fend for themselves. 6 priests, 2 barbers, and 59 old and lame persons The congregations of the schools at Welichena, and absentees. Welegampitiya, Pamunugama, Dandugama, Putuwan- cara, Hunupitiya and Toppu assemble at these Alutgama. churches for the solemnization of their marriages. Alutgama is situated at a distance of a full hour's In the front of this fortress there are also 2 journey from Beruwala, and has a school situated schools, 136 feet long and 52 feet broad, built of THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 95 iHf stone, one for the Tamil and one for the Dutch1 p. 437 {2). At Dandugamuwa there is a school 45 feet long youth, and a room for the Dutch schoolmaster. and 21£ feet broad, with a straw-thatched roof, built on 16 wooden supports, and also a house Daily instruction is given at the former school, but 48 feet long, consisting of 2 rooms and a hall. not at the latter. Besides this, there are also 5 houses built of The fishing rents (i. e. taxes) which these Negorabo inhabitants have to pay (and which they stone belonging to the Company, aone for the Ensign (i. e. ), one for the Dessava, one applied to be relieved of) amounts to 835 rixdollars for the Warehousekeeper, one which was formerly a year, namely 435 rixdollars for fish and 400 for occupied by the Lieutenant but is now dilapidated arrack. Durahaga is situated at a distance of 3 and one for the 'krankbezoeker* and schoolmaster; full hours' journey from Negombo. Here there is and there is also a horse-stable built of stone- a reasonably defensive pallisade (i. e. sentry-post) of Outside the fortress, there is also a sentry-post for four corners 56 feet long and 20 feet broad, with 12 soldiers, and a room for the Sergeant (of the a sentry-guard, and also a hall and room 22 feet sentry-guard), but this has now been transferred in length for the former Chief of the sentry-guard within the fortress and the sentry-post is vacant and a warehouse 20 feet in length, with a gun­ powder magazine and armoury 14 feet long and 12 Caymelle (Kammaia). feet broad, with a tiled roof. There is also a house here, built for the Company by the Mudaliyar in Having departed from there via Tooputure to the year 1699, 56 feet long and 10 feet broad, and Caymelle, we came across, on the way, a Company's divided into 3 sections and a caboose 35 feet long garden with 712 coconut trees, 494 of which were and 15 feet broad for the accommodation (i.e. lodging) fmitbearing, which was granted in the year 1699 of the Honourable Governor; and this Mudaliyar of to the Dessava by the Lord of the Land (i. e, the Negombo was sent with the Company's presents Company) on the payment of various sums of as Ambassador to the King of Kandy, as a result of money, from which he enjoys a sum of 30 or 40 which this building was not completed. rixdollars in arrack and butter at the annual app­ earance (i. e. levee) of the native Chiefs, The From there we left for Mugurugampola in the school at Toppu is very dilapidated, and this village Hapitigam Korale, a journey of 4 hours from here. was divided into pattuwas consisting of Tamil This place had a sentry - post of 4 corners which people. was posted with from Negombo, but there are no remains of it now. There was also a putrid Near it there is a tile manufactory ('Pannebakkery') resthouse here. of Tooputure by the pass or river-crossing from the Alutkuru Korale into' the King's territory, A Part of the pattuwa. which crossing built of 20,000 bricks was washed Malwana. Bolscho. 23rd September 1705. away during the floods. In the Hewagam Korale, the school at Nagamuwa The cinnamon warehouse of Caymelle is 192 (which is a three hour journey from Hulftsdorp) is feet long, 132 feet of which have been washed 50 feet long and 33 feet broad, built on 34 wooden away by. the floods although it is built 360 feet supports. Adjoining the school there are 60 coconut away from the river. fBg§96 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 97;-'iBB

and 6 jak trees, which were granted by Your Ex­ goda, from where we sailed along the river up to cellency to the Master until further orders when Alutgama, which took 3$ hours. In the afternnoon Your Excellency passed through Pugoda. After a we proceeded to Beruwala where we rested that night. journey of a quarter of an hour from Nagamuwa we crossed over the river into the Siyane Korale. Diyagama is situated at a distance of 2 hours' Sailing along the river towards Ampattala, we saw journey from Kalutara in the Rayigam Korale; but the site where the school of Kotalawala had existed, sailing up this river took us 4| miles on account wherefore a new school had to be built. of the strong current. From Hanwella to Padukka it is a journey of 2 Here there is a school, built on 32 supports, hours. The distance from Kandangelle to Anguratota 43 feet long and 32 feet broad, and a house 38 feet is a journey of 1| hours. At this place, there is a long and 14 feet broad, consisting of 2 rooms and a sentry-post (i. e. pailisade) of 4 corners (which was hall, with a tiled roof. already erected by the Hon. Company at the very The journey from there to Uduwara took us beginning. Here at Hanwella, there is a sentry-guard 2 hours, and there too there is a school, built on 32 consisting of 1 Kangany and 6 lasearins, but the sentry- wooden pillars, 54 feet long and 30 feet broad, post is no longer there. Here there are also 4 coconut, around which there is a wall 3^ feet high, and 20 jak and 2 arecanut trees which belong to the there is also a resthouse 35 feet long and 12 feet p. 438 {}). Company, but the lasearins of Hanwella enjoy the broad, with 3 rooms in it. produce therefrom; and at Kandangelle there is a sen­ try guard consisting of 1 Kangany and 10 lasearins, and From there to Hirrernie (?) is a 5^ hour journey. in the pailisade (i. e. sentry-post) there are 42 coconut Here, on a beautiful elevated spot (which now for and 2 jak trees, the produce of which was granted 2 feet more from the ground is decorated, with to the Korala and the lasearins for the maintenance large blue ashlars, i. e. hews stones, some of them of the resthouse here, although the Dessava Mr. Schoi with engravings and others smooth, etc, where it is used to lease them out, said that the palace of the Queen Zilladibiho (?) once stood, built on the remaining 15 stone pilasters From Warakagoda to Moolkava is a journey of and stone door-frames, is a beautiful school, 48 6 hours. Here too there is a sentry-post of 2 points, feet long and 20 feet broad, with a tiled roof. which is now entirely abandoned. The resthouse was 30 feet long and 12 feet Pelenda is situated at a distance of 2^ hours' broad. journey further on, and Agalawatta is a 5 hours' journey still further on. There used to be a good From here to the large village of Rayigam a sentry-post here which was always maintained by via Ramroukkana is a journey of 20 hours. Here the Portuguese and also by the Hon. Company, but there is a school, 66 feet long and 36 feet broad, has for several years now been abandoned. built on 44 wooden supports. From here to the Wellipenna in the Walalawiti Korale is a %\ hours' pass (i. e. river crossing) of Bolgodatota is a half journey from Agalawatta, and at a distance of a half hour's journey from Rouwekkenne (?Rammukkana); journey from the pass (i, e. river crossing) at Dodan- and from there we proceeded along the river up a THE JOURNAL OF'.THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION '99;'@liH to the pass (i. e. river crossing) of Hangilitota, the churches and schools there, consisting only in ■where there is a school, 48 feet long and 28 feet the reading of an old sermon, the prayers and broad. From here (we proceeded) to Wewela, a listening to the prayers and questions in Catechism journey of 1| hours, where there is a school, 50 feet both of the adults as well as the youth, and further, long and 28 feet broad, built on 36 wooden supports. as at a general inspection, the discharging of children from school and the solemnizing of baptisms and p. 438 (2). From there (we proceeded) by canal to Bellan- marriages according to the old practice. tota and further inland to Kotte, a journey of 2\ hours, where there is a school, 78 feet long and 30 (4). It would also be a good thing if they pay short feet broad, built on 24 small stones and 12 large woo­ visits to the churches and schools off and on, turn den pillars, with a wall 3^ feet high, and a tiled roof. by turn, in order to see whether the orders of 23rd December. P. C. Bolscho. the Hon. Company in respect of Church matters are being properly observed and carried out there; As one of the most important measures, however, for preventing the decline of the churches and (5). And that they submit a monthly report on their schools, the Seminaries which have been established activities to the Church Consistory; here in Ceylon should be maintained. There is a Tamil Seminary at Jaffna and a Sinhalese (6). And that they then submit any proposals to Seminary at Colombo. the Church Consistory; The following memoir of recommendations 439 (i). (7). That they spend the rest of their time in furnished much information regarding the former, helping to promote the translation of the Old Testa­ ment, as that essential work has been in abeyance i. e. the Tamil Seminary. for some time now, because Dirk Otley de Jonge Remarks regarding the students and the who was engaged on that work in January 1702, and both the translators who also served as Scribes have observations advancement of the Reformed Religion left the Seminary in February 1703, and as their regarding at Jaffna made in April 1704- services were badly needed the late Hon. Governor the Semina­ Gerrit de Heere has allowed them to continue to rians at (1). Two or three of the students who have offe- remain in the Seminary; Jaffna. red their services to the Church should now be possibly used for the work of the churches & schools, (8). And also that they prepare a little booklet until a definite designation is given to them, which in Tamil, wherein the heathen practices of these could best be decided by the. Honourable Governor; natives could be brought to light and clearly shown through powerful reasoning to be abominable and contrary to the fundamental truths of the Christian (2). And with this designation they could be dele­ religion, and that it may be tastefully presented to gated to examine the schoolmasters monthly under be used as a handbook or housebook, which would the oversight of the Predikants." be most effective if it could be set in yefse like their historical booklets. (3). That they accompany the Predikants, when they do their land circuit assisted by a member of the (9). The aforesaid young lads should also promise Political Council as hitherto, to do their work in that they would not marry any women unless they THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 101 MM had first instructed them and had them make intercourse with their neighbours) take place not their confession of faith and communicate along with without the knowledge of the principal Mudaliyars us at the Lord's Table. who have a hand in the same, and as such people and their activities hinder those of our Reformed (10). That the heathen meeting-places where they religion and they continue, yea, the lastnamed folk make their daily, weekly and annual offerings, and treat it with contempt and wherever possible do the heathen priests and yogies (all of whom, al­ much" damage "to it • (i. e. the- Reformed religion). though they are hidden and not known to the Europeans, nevertheless take refuge and protection (16). If therefore in the principal, places, as for among the Brahmins who live here) who roam all instance at the Gates (i. e. on the establishments) of over the- land as mendicants and carry away much the other officials of the Hon. Company and also at money from this land, might be banished. the outposts, members of our Church could be (11). That they might be ordered and bound to reveal employed, it would be a most useful and desirable themselves, and also the great and small heathen matter for religion and the State. shrines, the principal ones being under the churches (17). This is indeed (as one would say) the means of Navattkuli, Pandatirippu and Tondamanare, and of making most of the inhabitants Christians in a others, about 2 or 3 of them in every village of each of short period of time, and of reaping the fruits the five Provinces. of the immense labour and expense hitherto invested. (12). Likewise, the departure of an unbelieveable (18). That the other students and pupils should number of the inhabitants with their wives and continue to be instructed until they are discharged children every year in the month of Februaiy to from the Seminary. Ramanacoil in the coast of Weradamiam where they offer up an incredible amount of money at those (19). : That the Manager (lit: House Father), according temples, should also be prohibited. to the regulations, sleeps in the Seminary at night arid resides "with the students, in order to prevent (13). Likewise too, the ceremonial bathing 4 or 5 much indiscipline acrid excesses - and especially to times a year at Tellipulle, where they attend prevent any of them from going out at night and to be assured of the forgiveness of their sins after at unreasonable times. they had bathed themselves and made their offerings there. (20). That the Manager should also instruct the pup­ ils daily in psalm-singing, whose services could also (14). The Roman Catholic priests too, who come then be used on Sundays as lesson-readers and precep­ over here from Goa, Tutucorin and Madura and conti­ tors (i. e. chanters). •''";', nue to remain here for some time, do much damage, (21). That, as regards the sluggards too and those especially in the Church of St. Joan situated below who are unwilling to learn or obey, some sort of the City and at Pandatirippu. discipline nVght be enforced for their own good and in their best interests. (15). All these activities (and also several happenings at. the, Coast at Tiruwarur, Sidambaran and Kaasie, (22). It would also be good if the Rector is and incidentally they have no association or authorised to assemble the students in the evenings, THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH ! SURGH&R UNION MB g§f§ before or after meals, and make them read a :: ' '' ' "to assist in visiting the the churches and schools toget- chapter from the Word of God and give an ex­ her'withthe late Rev. Mr. Mey, according to the position thereon, and if it was not possible for previous plan of the1 Honourable'Govetnment (lit: Po­ them to do So, that he does so himself, and then litical Council), not1'doubting that he would thereby conclude with 'evening - players' in a short period of time be fully competent etc, as will be seen from the extract of a letter of the Hon. .... Although we have now for convenience presen­ Mrv Thomas van Rhee etc. dated the 28th of November ted these remarks on the position of these students, 1692. "■' * '-' ' -«■ :; -- '• ■ they wilt however be much better elucidated, by the 'following further recommendations of the ftsv. . : J i What'difficulties Mr": de Vriest anticipated in Mf,"'de Vriest;- .'that work, and what hardships he experienced ■ ' 'if.' -..■"} , .«, M-. •■ ■ j.; Motes & observations regarding the therein at the start, and what warnings he was given against the same by several people and com­ Tamil, churches ; and the Seminary at Jaffna etc. plained against byiothers that it (i e the appointment) should not be refused by him, would take a It is -an indisputable fact that it is necessary for '- long time to' relate". But he was- certainly not anyone who, expecting the blessings of God, pursues deterred thereby, and undertook the said work in an important; and good-work, that he not only has the fear of God; honourable intentions but also propounds honourable and befitting measures, and pursues :his duty, care­ And he embarked at first in the means for fully observing all the prevailing circumstances, , learning the Tamil language by attending as a pupil places and persons, etc. Who then would not wish of the late Rev. Mr. de Mey, but he was never to believe that all. this;jhas been properly undertaken able to ,do more than half a page of script of in the establishment of the aforementioned Tamil j. Tamil letters, and that too a long time thereafter. Seminary, from which good success is expected p. 440 (2). He learnt and pondered over various circums- with God's blessings. ' ' tances according to the best of his ability and found- How punctually then the proposed measures should be pursued without deviating therefrom, on (1). That though the children in the Seminary account of the very weighty and pressing circums­ studied together, they would not however eat or tances could easily be comprehended., sleep together or associate with each other as some of them were above the others being of a higher Thus, the business of the Seminary can firstly be or better caste, though all of them were geneially attended to, but certain events since the year 1692 from good castes. And what is still worse, he which have been recorded by some persons should understood that he should eat or drink with the perhaps be also worth considering to be digested, in Hollanders. order to decide what we could expect from the Semin^- ary and its students (2). Besides this, be was told that the Kanaka- pulles of the Gate, or Interpreters of the Hon. Philippus de Vriest, was appointed to Jaffna in the Commandeur, and also several other Interpreters of year aforesaid to supervise the Seminary thore and qualified officials, though they were baptised Christians, THE JOURNAL OF THE ( DUTCH BURGHER UNION 105

were heathens in their hearts. Thereupon he took reas&ns: for Mr. de Vriest had learnt by experience the liberty of expressing his views, * saying that that this is just what the heathen Kanakapulles and since they were still uncultured and rough (i. e. Chiefs at Jaffna do and this was an obstacle, on uncivilised) men, they must, first'endeavour to re­ account of which several persons do not dare to form their ways and instill themselves with a desire profess Christianity and still less to make confessi­ for knowledge and understanding, so that they may on of their faith. gradually improve, as civil chastity (or respectability) is considered to be the first beginning of godliness, This was openheartedly admitted at the time, and so that it may not be said initially that it was but he was confirmed of the truth of it in the of no use trying to instil godliness in them. One m®nth of December that year (1692); for must also first make them fully [understand the When he had the honour of examining the difference between good and evil, between being a students, and on that occasion heard that the late heathen and a Christian, before presenting before Honourable Commandeur Mr. Blom had asked the them (he profound tenets of our Christian, faith. students after their examination if they would sit at meal with him and the other gentlemen who The said Mr. de Vriest also took the liberty were present there, he immediately received the of asking whether there were no Church members reply: "Honourable Commandeur, that is possible, among the Tamils, and was informed that there but we are unable to do so", and however much was no lack of them. Therefore, believing that we persuaded them, they maintained that they they would have more influence in such a res­ could not do so. ponsible office as that of an Interpreter of the Com- mandeur, Dessava and Predikants etc he was of However, it appears that they were subsequent­ the opinion that Interpreters should- be chosen from ly won over, so that they agreed to attend as the Church Membars; that such persons could no1 guests (at the banquet) at the request of the Hon. only be employed with greater confidence, but tha^ Commandeur; and besides them, the other qualified others too could be animated thereby, since these officials and all the Predikants too who were men have to be won over by friendliness and invited attended the same with others who were asked on the 6th of January 1693. The students goodwill, too attended, and the banquet thus took place. . The said Mr.de Vriest was confirmed in the fact that if we had Kanakapulles who were Church When the f©od was placed on the table, the guests were requested to wash their hands, when members, they would not dare to so' greatly despise, t Mr. Otley and the Rev. Mr. de Mey, again infor­ hate or persecute other^,-'persons who are Church med the Hon. Commandeur that a young man, who members or seek to-become Church members, and was the son of a Prince, had said that he could therefore too those of high castes would not illtreat not join in the meals as his father (who had been and oppress those of lower castes and altogether a pupil of the late Rev. Mr. Baldaeus) had not been informed of it etc.; whereupon the Hon. despise them as they have professed to be Chris­ Commandeur after having reasoned with him tians,, though in fact not openly but for personal kradly for some length of time, said that if he 106 TH£ JOURNAL OF THE OUTCH BURGHER UNION 107 gB

refused to join at meals, he would then have -to ever, Mr. de Vriest was once again at last approac­ leave the Seminary immediately, whereover the said hed thereafter for his advice as to how the students young lad appeared to be glad instead of being should be managed, what books should be given to alarmed about it, and left immediately. Then the them, etc. To which he replied that as regards the others too began to protest that they too could first question, the measures and the plan proposed not join at meals and persisted in the same by the Honourable Commissary General, the late although they were given several assurances that the Mr. Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede, should be pursued, said young lad would never more be admitted to but he also made some further remarks consequent the Seminary, and that they should not forsake on his experience of the Tamils, namely: their castes: but it was of no avail. The aforesaid Hon. Commandeur, being very upset thereby, began (1). That the students should continue to be ins­ to threaten them, whereupon they were afraid, came tructed for some time in the preliminaries (i. e. in, washed their hands and sat at table, where there was rudiments) to see if they had understood them much loud talking, which was again checked and well and to convince them in regard to the heathen quashed and the Hon. Commandeur and all the ways which they had previously learnt from their (2). other gentlemen had much difficulty in getting them parents and Masters, and that they should there­ to eat, which they (i e. the students) did not do after be further taught and instructed gradually on except out of fear and terror of being caned, as what they were able to understand. , the Hon. Cammandeur (of blessed memory) was exceptionally stern and severe. This banquet was (2). That in regard to books, great care must be concluded with much satisfaction and the pupils taken to see what books are given to them, and then had the liberty to go to their parents; but that in his (i. e. Mr. de Vriest's) opinion, they we do not definitely know what happened there, should have a brief outline of Theology, from which but strangely enough, they were said to have been they might be well grounded in the Articles of purged (i. e. refined) thereby. Faith and the principal chapters of Theology, and also be drawn away from heathenism and Romish There was much comment thereafter about doctrines, the lastnamed of which has made this banquet, but there the opinions were diverse special inroads among these natives who are weak and not too complimentary. Whether Mr. de Vriest Christians, and an incredible number of whom had now been perturbed over this matter and blindly follow them on account of their ostenta­ had expressed himself too frankly thereover, it was observed that he thereafter had practically no tious ceremonies etc so that they therefore for this connection with the students except only when he and more other reasons still need the nourishment was summoned for the annual examination. p.442 (/). of milk like children, and the minds ofj these youngsters could also with much persuasion be But on the 30th of October 1694 Mr. de poisoned and burdened with false impressions, and Vriest was completely excluded therefrom; for the consequently the Church becomes more and more students were then examined and also awarded contaminated with false doctrines and involved in prizes without his even being invited thereto or schisms, which is always regrettable, and that there­ his having had even the slightest knowledge of the fore, all possible vigilance should be exercised to same except after the event had taken place. How- prevent the same by means of good precautions. I 108 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 109 g® These and similar suggestions were submitted by Mr. de Vriest. Others too expressed their Belligamroe has 14 churches & schools. (These two places cannot opinions, and then matters seemed to have been (be inspected earnestly taken in hand. The Islands have 7 churches & schools. (less than a period of one (month continuously and Further ■ The children in the Seminary learnt the cate- (that can be done twice Observations chetical compositions of Spiljardus and several (a year. regarding the other useful booklets. Seminary Timmoratchie has 3 churches & schools. (The inspection at these (three The children in the Dutch school at Chavakach- Waddemoraatje "3 churches & schools, (places generally lasts cheri too, and also those at , improved. but not those at Cain

Others, who were not found to be suitable As regards the others who may not be com­ for work as 'Krankbezookers' and would endea­ petent to be used for Church duties, it is very vour to take up worldly : appointments, and are difficult to say in what capacity they could be apparently fit to do so in view of their great and employed confidently, except that they could be influential friends whom they, so to speak, have appointed as Kanakapulles to assist the Predikants at Court and throughout Jhe entire land, and on for in that capacity they cannot do much harm and whose influence the Honourable Commandeurs much less scheming in the course of their duties. always have already had much regard in the best interests of the Hon. Company; these could not This straight description of the students be made use of with peace of mind for through and the Jaffna Tamil inhabitants is not intended to imply that there are no good Christians, and that their crafty ways (in which they greatly surpass the we cannot hope for any good among the natives in Hollanders) they have access to everything, and so, the course of time. as they understand the Dutch language, they would be able to read the letters, know all the It must truthfully be admitted that among them confidential matters of the Secretary, and would there are those who already more than put to therefore be detrimental to the Hon. Company, shame the Hollanders in their faith and Christian while most of them are unreliable and in fact conduct, and an incredible number who would come specially use their knowledge and craft to work flying over to our churches like doves to their against the interests of the Hon. Company. cotes if they were not terrified by the- il (treatment. buffetings and oppression which they are subjected to by the most important and influential Tamils It would therefore be certainly wise to be who are all heathens at heart and continue to be cautious about such persons before it is too late. so. 116 THE JOURNAL OF THE ' DUTCH BURGHER UNION 117 f§|

In order to verify the truth of the contents This Warden looked after the maintenance of of this memoir and possibly obtain further know­ the students, for which he received 22$ rixdollars ledge of the circumstances, the qualified officials at every month, and he supervised them by night and Jaffna should be required to make their individual day; nevertheless, apart from these duties of his reports regarding the facts of these circumstance^, office, he was in every way subordinate to the as to what their opinions are concerning the Rev. Rector. Seminary students and the inhabitants, and if they express their opinions truthfully and conscientious­ The first Rector who instructed these youngs­ ly, it will be observed that few of them would ters in the Seminary in the Dutch language and in differ in their opinions over the contents of this the fundamentals of our religion was the Rev. Adria- nus de Mey, who performed this duty most pati­ memoir or disagree with them. ently, profitably and laudably from the year 1692 N. B. These notes and comments are submitted till the 28th of February 1699 (when His Revere­ in writing by the Rev. Predikant Philippus de nce died) without any troubles or complaints all Vriest, according to His Reverence's statement, for that time.by His Reverence about the students or the orders of His Excellency the Governor Gene­ even between His Reverence and the Warden. Duri­ ral Mr. Willem van Outhoorn, to whom the ori­ ng his lifetime it even happened that these studen­ ts (with the exception of one of them who was ginal would have been sent. p. 445 (I), therefore sent out of the school) had eaten and drunk at the table of the Honourable Commandeur Certified by: J. Huisman, Secretary. Mr. Blom, and nothing further took place of what is mentioned in the report of the Rev. Mr.de (1). From information furnished by Mr. Dirk Otley, Vriest. first schoolmaster, who was thereafter appointed by the Honourable Commissary General Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede as the first Warden of the Soon after this gentleman (i.e. Mr de Mey) Tamil Seminary, I find further that this Seminary died, the Seminary students made a request to the was, established on the 14th of December 1690 at Honourable Members of the Council in the absen­ NaUur, a village in Jaffna, with 26 students at the ce of the Honourable Commandeur Mr. Schenken- beginning, in such a manner that, besides the berg who was at the pearl fishery at the time) Master who instructed them there was. a Warden that the Rev. Mr. Roman, a peace-loving man in this Seminary, who (when the students were (so they said) be appointed in His Reverence's not busy in attending the instruction of the Rector, place, but as this was a matter that was very or between such periods of instruction) were en­ difficult, awkward and embarrassing for the Rev tirely under the supervision of. the Warden, who Mr. de Vriest, and in order to exculpate him in was responsible only to the Honourable Scholarchs regard to his conduct the request seems to me to in everything, and reported everything to them while p. 44-5 (2). have been very hastily and presumptiously made by doing so also to the Rector, and that His Reverence the students, and likewise too was the decision (i.e. the Rector) did not better himself at all about regarding the Rev. Mr. de Vriest. But they (i. c -, it, nor did he make any orders or criticisms in the students) at first received the services of neither any of its matters, of them as their Rector. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION

On the 31st of May 1636, after a certain exa­ that this man (i. e. Mr. Otley) was only responsible mination, twelve of the most capable students were to the Honourable Commandeur and the Scholarchs chosen on the recommendation of the Rector to and not to His Reverence These differences were be instructed in natural theology. These, being however later in fact settled by the Scholarchs. still students, were in fact exempted from (ordinary) but had however erupted once again. Wherefore school discipline, but not from their previous the Government constantly had much difficulties supervision by the Warden. and much squabbling more over this gentleman At this time His Reverence the Rector began than over the students on account of this, and to preach in Dutch and to catechise them in the all owing to the domineering attitude of His noons on this subject instead of on the (contents Reverence (so it was said): However, everything of the) Catechism, which His Reverence otherwise was always over some trifling matter, Whereupon dealt with before proceeding to this preaching the students too, who had already gone to attend duty. p. 446 (/). the Lord's Supper had to be absolutely reconciled with this gentleman with the confession of their In the meanwhile, after the death of Rev, Mr. faith, and were only then admitted to the same (as de Mey, the responsibility was delegated by the they seemed to have been instigated by the Rector Honourable Commandeur Mr. Schenkenberg entir­ against the Warden and Mr. Otley. ely to Mr. Ottey alone, who recommended the students to compare each others' notes, and in Furtherreport What measures the Rev. Mr. Synjeu had then the meantime to proceed to the study of the 3rd for the adopted in regard to the education and examinat and 4th books of Moses, and also to read a commence- ion of some of these Tamil students may be seen sermon at the Church services on Sundays, and ment and both from his letter in this connection to the to learn their propositions by heart now and again. progress of Hon. Mr. Simons as well as from the further the Seminary measures taken by His Reverence, which are re­ In the year 1700, the Rev Mr. Gerardus D'Oude produced below in clarificatioii of the same. was appointed as Rector over the. students in the Seminary, He also performed this duty as a peace- The letter reads as follows: loving man till the year, 1701* when, on the orders of the Supreme Government of the Indies he was To: The Right Hon Mr. Cornells Joan Simons, succeeded by the Rev. Philippus de Vriest and left Governor and Director of the Island of Ceylon the Seminary for Jaffna to work there. with the dependencies, thereof. During the administration of the Rev, Mr. de Right Honourable Sir, Vriest at the Seminary many differences took place between His Reverence and Mr. Otley, arising In accordance with the mainly from the fact that His Reverence wanted resolution of the Political Council on the 10th of to exercise absolute authority himself in everything, January last for the further, instruction by me, and and thus even over the Warden more than on one if possible, for making them competent for preaching occasion, and even in the presence of the Hon. Comm­ duties, I have accordingly, after observing their andeur. He refused (i. e. obstructed) him (Mr. Otley) deficiencies (by examining them) both in regard to in everything as His Reverence clearly declared natural truths emanating from the presupposed enlight- THE JOURNAL OF THE 2G DUTCH BURGHER UNION 121 enment of the additional knowledge of the Chris­ heathens and make them reject their religion and tian religion, and also in regard to such matters p. 446 (7). subordinate them to the true God and His precepts pertaining to the demolition of heathenism, de­ or obey Him. (Note by translator: The context of this cided that this insight of their deficiencies affords clause and some of the succeeding clauses marked me the necessary material for instruction and my with an asterisk (*) is not quite clear. The object to work out a regular rule in order to translations of these clauses aretherefore subject achieve a satisfactory and desired result. to revision and correction).

In order to achieve this, I proceeded first to (*). So I decided, for good reasons, that the object make them understand and learn to explain these namely: the conversion of the heathenss cannot be truths before I passed on to the Divinely revealed achieved in such circumstances, but could possibly truths. be achieved by holding discussions between one section and the other on the significance of the The order of subjects which I have followed Bible as God's Word. can be seen from the attached statement which is followed by all the different aspects which are It would have been fortunate for Christianity contained in each heading (or chapter). if more attention was given to these truths which those who love public worship ought to bring My motives for this plan o( instruction are evident in the outline of the subjects, and 1 could along with them before they embark on the threshold conveniently skip over them as they are quite dis­ thereof. cernible by anyone. (*). The ludicrous Roman Catholic religion could The object being to propagate the Christian never have found artists who could have got the religion and to reject the heathen religion as being better of them, let alone even been a match for futile, unreasonable anil comfortless, it is thus them. impossible to a achieve this, even to hope to do (*). 1 have therefore instructed these students in this, without automatically preparing with these what 1 considered to be requisite for this purpose. preliminary fundamental truths and eonveying them 1 am confident that the subjects on which I have appropriately. instructed them would give no room whatsover for (2). The more so, as it is not possible to undertake any of the unreasonable pleas of heathenism, but anything more difficult without this, and much less would on the contrary support all Reformed doctrines. impart the same, because these Christians, who lack this armour, would only try to avoid the issue which (*). They would have been further instructed in spe­ people would try to inflict on them, and the object cial matters regarding heathenism with a view to would be frustrated, and this applies also in the case destroying it if not for the fact that the lack of of the heathens. The latter would safely take shelter knowledge regarding it had not yet been removed. under the plea of their decisions and conclusions being hasty. The former, would be without the force of (*). Wherefore, it was desirable for the refutation and undermining of the tenets of Sinhalese and their armour and would not be adequately trained Tamil heathenism and for their growth in the to use them to be able to reach the hearts of the Christian faith that we should be strongly assured' THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 123 not only of a mere condemnation of the tenets Regarding the nature of a matter, which ser­ of heathenism (as we have already done) ves to assimilate all matters of the same kind. but of the inner and personal feelings not of the What causes are to be attributed: to: people in general (i. e. the common folk) but of From which all matters were assimilated which those who consider themselves to be privileged to appeared to have a cause or not, know the truths of the Christian doctrines, besides The assimilation of all problems (or questions). those who are still altogether ; complacent in their A definite order for proving anything. natural instincts. That there is one God. What God is, I shall not dilate, further, because the weight On God's oneness. of the circumstances necessitate further extension that what was necessary at present in this my On God's essential and voluntary works. object. The material and the purpose of my ins­ Namely: On God's eternal being. truction since the 16th of January last will be On the need of God. obvious to Your Excellency in this report, and I On His simplicity. can nave no doubts that these students would now On His all-sufficiency. be found to have complied with the recommenda­ On His independence. tions made in our Church report of the 8th of On His infinity. January this year in regard to them, which read On His immutability, thus, namely: (that they were not without hope of On the God of life. being able to acquire a sufficient degree of comp­ On His immortality. etence if they had the benefit of further good On. His freedom. guidance and the requisite instruction). In order to On His majesty. prove this I would also request Your Excellency to order On His knowledge that an examination be conducted in order that I On God' s love. may be able to proceed with their further instruc­ On His blessedness. tion in Revealed Theology. On His justice. On His holiness. My sole object is that my conscience may not be On His purity. disturbed through neglect of my duty, that the On His perfection. fruits of my labour may be seen and my obligation in every way fulfilled, and that I may most gladly The works of conscience. be, Right Honourable Sir, Your Excellency's obed­ On His orders of advice (i. e. laws), ient servant.(Signed): Petrns Synjeu. (in the margin) On their eternity, (lit: everlasting nature). Colombo 23rd April 1705 (Certified by): J. Erouse, On their immutability. 1st clerk. On their uniformity. Order of instruction On their independence- On God's omniscience. 1. Technical terms. 2. Definitions, On His work of punishment. 3. The nature (or characteristics) of a subject, in On His creation. order to be able to understand the same fully. On His providence. I 124 THE JOURNAL OF TH£ DUTCH BURGHER UNION |25 pjjflff

39. On His government, the honour of the Rev. Rector and also in order 40. On the image of God in man. to avoid the necessity of giving our further remarks 41. On God's laws, ordinances, etc. on one thing and another; However, the decision 42. On perversity, or depravity. of the Batavian Church Consistory was not alto­ (? condemnation). gether unreasonable in several aspects, and it was 43. On the union of the soul and body. as well particularly that the Rector should not have 44. Definition of the works of the Spirit. instructed these students according to his special 45. The immortality of the Soul or its annihilation. concepts but much better according to some other 46. Some sins. system, and especially according to the synopsis of 47. The practice of virtue and its ways. Mr. Bunrmnnus, and that he would do well to 48. Meritoriousness. adopt that system in the future, which, it appears 49. The greatest good and evil. to me from a letter of His Reverence to his fellow- 50. The justice (i. e. fairness) of a matter brethiu-en dated the 15th of October 1705, has since 51. The truth of a matter. S'iecs followed by His Reverence. 52. General knowledge. 53. What arguments there are against heathenism. In the meantime, a discussion appears to have 54. Astrology (lit: prophesying through the stars). Second letter taken place between the Governor Mr. Simons and 55. On good and evil (i e. lucky and unlucky) times- of the Rev. the Rev. Mr* Synjeu about the necessity for the 56. On the destruction of the Soul, Mr. Synjeu Rector of the Seminary to possess a knowledge of 57. Exorcism (lit: devil-banning). lo the Hon. Sinhalese and Tamil, whereover the Rev. Mr.Synjeu 58. Voluntary (lit: inward) and outward religion, Mr. Simons expressed his opinions in the following letter to 59. Image worship, worship of the stars and demons. over the His Excellency, and, according to his opinions 60. The beginning of purification and forgiveness question whe~ showed that such knowledge was in no way essen- of sins among the heathens. ther a Rector tial for a Rector. To. The Right Honourable Mr. 61. Tokens (i.e. proofs) of a godly confession, etc. of a SeminaryComtlh Joan Simons, Governor and Director of and several other matters contained here and should learn the island of Ceylon with the dependencies thereof. there in the notes. the Tamil Right Honourable Sir, or the Sinha­ According to this order then the aforesaid four lese language. in compliance with Your Honour's p. 448 (/). students from Jaffna were examined at Colombo enquiry as to whether a Rector could satisfactorily Letter of the by the Rector Mr. Synjeu on the 19th of April perform his duties without a knowledge of the Rev. Mr. 1705, notice of which was also given to Their Sinhalese language at this place or without a know­ Synjeu to the Excellencies at Batavia, and the opinions of that ledge of the Tamitlanguage at Jaffna, 1 respectfully Hon. Mr. Church Consistory were also sought thereover, which submit the following to Your Honour". Simons reg- was not quite in agreement with that of the Rector, arding the as His Reverence reported in a letter which he had Considering the object for which the Seminaries four Tamil addressed in this connection, to the Honourable were established (namely: the conversion of the Seminarians Mr. Simons. We have weighed both opinions in heathens), 1 am of the opinion that the essential who were exa-all the details, but we have considered it best not duties of a Rector are the studying of minedbyhim to add our opinions here, both in order to defend truths according to a method that is suitable here, and a simple way of demonstrating the same; THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 127

and if a Rector does not possess this knowledge, 4. That having advanced to the study of Revealed the result would be a waste of labour; and expen­ Theology, one should not take everything for granted, diture ,for where the essentials of a matter are that is, be hasty in quoting from the Holy Scrip­ lacking, then they can also not be communicated tures against heathenism, without conviction of its to others(i.e. the goods cannot be delivered to Divinity. others), The knowledge of the Holy Scriptures can It would be necessary to mention in more indeed be taken for granted among the Christians as they are aware of its Divinity; but it would detail the real nature of a Rector's duties. In my be pathetic yea ridiculous, to proceed in this opinion, they consist in 3 things: manner with the heathens. For if you say to a heathen 1. A clear examinatiou of matters pertaining thereto "Believe iu Christ: He is your Saviour"", he would immediately reply; "I do not know Him: why should 2. The method of expounding the same. I believe in Him?". If you say to him ''Believe 1 3. The order which should be followed. in the Holy Word" ', his reply would be the same. If the Divinity of the Word is taken for granted, In regard to the first, I consider that the matters it would indeed be ridiculous. which a Rector should deal with consist of the following:- p. 449(1). So I consider that a heathen must be persuaded to acknowledge the Divinity of the Scriptures by 1. An explanation of terms where necessary, so means of reasoning, and that too in respect of all that the students who do not understand the meaning parts of the Scriptures. So also in regard to the of the writer would not be altogether baffled acceptability of all matters which are proposed to and be able to make the necessary discriminations, them. This is what the heathens need and there­ but wouid, however sparsely, still acquire the fore expect; and if this is not done, a Rector's necessary knowledge. work is of no avail in respect of results, and God's Word would be made derogatory. Its 2. A full exposition of what pne could reasonably Divinity and the importance of their obligation know concerning God and the creation; for if this must be inculcated in every detail in the students. is not done nor expounded by a Rector, but he Wherefore then it follows that one should be in only teaches his pupils scriptural truths, then the a position, students would miss the most important conviction and not be in a positron to persuade others and (5). To be able to refute the tenets of the heathen be altogether useless, since reason atone counts codes of law, and those of the Alkoran of the among the heathens, Turks and the Papal traditions (whereby a Rector could deal with three kinds of people here) both 3. A refutation of the familiar beliefs of heatheni­ generally (in regard to the means of Salvation sm. If this is not taken heed of, they would not offered, i. e. presented, in them), as well as in possess the necessary armour and the confidence regard to special matters of knowledge If attention in their individual ability to defend themselves, but is not given to this, then it would be of no avail, being baffled, they would find their position hope­ and they themselves would remain inflexible in the less and disconsolate, and as a result be ready to surrender. same. 8 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 129 g

(6). Finally, a Rector must instruct his students in Having touched on the method of instruction, Positive Theology, without burdening them with we shall now proceed to make some observations unnecessary disputations which take place amon^ regarding the order which should be followed. In doing Christians and are not at aii necessary. so, we would adhere to the same order that we have suggested in regard to the subjects to be In fact, he should be very careful about this. dealt with. 1 consider this to be sufficient enough He should however so deal with Positive Theology as a brief outline of the essentials of the duty of that they (i. e. the students) would nevertheless be a Rector. No one could contradict the fact that acquainted with the grounds on which any argu­ thes® are the real and fundamental duties of a ments adduced could be refuted. Rector. And I am personally convinced that this is the plan that it is necessary to adopt here, Having mentioned the subject matters, I shal irrespective of whether he was a Sinhalese by birth now pass on to the manner in which they should in regard to being able to speak that language, be dealt with or understands Tamil quite well, and that his labour would be productive of little fruit, and that (I), Since all verbosity is boring so the method we cannot expect to achieve that great object (the should be brief, and, in the case of difficulties conversion of the heathens) if the said measures arising from obscurity, they should be clarified. are not adopted. Therefore, the students should be helped in understan­ ding the theories as far as it is possible, and their* Whether a Rector is fully competent to carry memories should be refreshed as far as circums­ out all these duties even without a knowledge of tances permit it, and their powers of understanding the language of the country is a matter for Your and judgement improved. I would say that through Excellency's judgment. My answer is that he cer­ brevity and ciarity, they (i. e. the students) could be tainly could, even if a Rector did not know one made to observe things for themselves and be furnished word of Sinhalese or Tamil. And I say so for with material for meditation. two reasons. (2). The instruction should be done according to I adduce as the first reason that it depends the general ■ principles, so that one argument resolves on the mutual understanding between the Rector nil propositions of a similar nature. By this means and his pupils. When a Rector makes himself one could curtail method and time longer than one understanbable to his pupils, he is then fully in a posi­ eouid imagine if they curtail the same preeminently. tion to be able to carry out his duties. That this is now Otherwise, instructing the students in Theology in so in the Seminary could be observed from the learning (2). driblets would make the "students listless and spi­ of the Dutch language as an established feature and ritless and this is the way in which they have been an absolute requirement according to the special usually instructed, and it is not at ali wise. order. -;'3). So a Rector much also be able to resolve the theories, backwards to the beginning and instruct 1 have already mentioned the order and prac­ ids pupils in the same, and this, and the fore­ tice, and the necessity can be seen from the follo­ going methods are the essence of solidity and wing fact; namely, presuming that the students had •-lability of basic knowledge. not learnt Dutch, it would then immediately follow 1SK 130 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION J31 J§

that they (presuming that they were taught in Sin­ here with the Secretary. This is the position in halese or Tamil) would, on completing their studies regard to tne Dutch language, and as regards the perfectly, be enlightened by all the necessary comm­ knowledge acquired by them, I consider that entators of the Old and New Testaments. There one example has to be mentioned who promises are works on Divine Theology and other aids for to attain the required perfection, as it was evide­ the study of the Holy Book and for understanding nt too at the examination. Wherefore, from my the same; the works of the authors of which we findings, I must confirm that, considering are specially supplied with now, and we could the nature of the findings of the circums­ communicate with the students the works of Dutch tances, the Tamil heathens could be made competent commentatores on almost the entire Bible as and for preaching duties, although the Rector may p. 450 (}) whenever they need them, according to their powers not understand the Tamil language, through the of understanding. medium of ihe Dutch language, which it is incum­ bent on the Master to teach the students. Assuming that ihey know the Dutch language (which is more useful here than the Latin language in the I shall then refer to two difficulties which I Fatherland, yea, and much more appropriate for think could be adduced, which could be removed. Political reasons), we have for the students here all The first is whether the students could learn the that they need, and they have free access to all Dutch language sufficiently enough to be able to these aids. understand the Rector. The second, that a Rector who does not know the language of the country The Dutch language only being then altogether a would not be capable of interpreting. The first necessity according to the nature of the circumstan difficulty has already been dealt with and depends ces and the special order, and it being taught on the teacher and if there are any words the here, I therefore submit the following: namely. meanings of which might still be not understood, that, as the students understand Dutch, it is the services of the Interpreters and Kanakapulles not at all essential that a Rector should learn the would be unavailable. language of the country in order to be able to undertake his duty and perform it laudably. As regards the second difficulty, this has really no bearing on his essential duties nor the all- My second reason is based on the experience of the subjects of my instruction themselves. The sufficient aid, the Dutch language. Consequently, students of Jaffna who were entrusted to my care, it could be regarded as being outside the scope who had been instructed in the Dutch language of his duties, and be only adduced as an aid in the (according to their own testimony) confirmed me country for promoting the work of conversion there. in my sentiments. In proof of this, I would refer To stipulate fairly that this is a prerequisite for a to the recently-held examination in the presence of Rector seems to me to be unreasonable and I would His Excellency and the other members who were present at the time, when they (i. e. the students) were rather await the opinions of those who may have able to converse in Dutch and fully understood further insight. me, which is also further evident from the sermon com­ My opinion is then that this requirement is posed by the students, themselves, which are deposited not necessary in a Rector, and that if he could THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 133 ffgfi only do. all that his duties demand of him, he and that, with the assistance of the Proponents, would not lose his good name and respect through the Seminarium and the country could both be negligence, not to mention his being burdened with fully provided with the necessary personnel public preaching duties. I shall not comment on this further, and 1 In fact, the duty of a Rector is nevertheless hope that I have already not taken too much the same as that of the Rev. brother Predikants liberty; Wherefore, I trust that Your Excellency who do interpreting themselves. Wherefore I consider may be pleased to appreciate my good intention^ that this requirement is not necessary for their which is this atone, namely, to obey and satisfy my work, nor should =it be stipulated as part of their conscience, and in regard to my opinion, that no duty. Rector could ever put forward a plea to be excused from interpreting is the language of the country, This difficulty could easily be viewed in a diffe­ and that he and the Interpreters should between rent light considering that, as the students know them try to notice each othe.s' mistakes, which the language of the country and acquire a know­ each of them should be free and obliged to do. ledge of things (two things which must go together, lit: hand in hand, in all interpretings, without which I shall summarise my opinions in order that combination no sound results could be expected they may be seen at a glance: and all the Kanakapulles would be incompetent for 1. I think that a distinction should be made between this task), they possess the necessary means of the duty of the Rector and that of the interpiet- delivering the goods. Wherefore, a Rector could yet ers. be of great service, both in respect of the interpretation of the Scriptures, as well as in respect of the Dutch 2. As long as the Dutch language is being used language, by unfolding his own interpretation of both in the Seminary, and the necessity (for it) remains unchanged, that a Rector, could competently per­ As Your Excellency has been pleased to refer to form the duties of his office in that language the recent most praiseworthy resolution of our Lords alone. Superiors regarding the appointment of six Propon­ ents for work in the Seminaria on the expiess 3. The, students, who have the advantage of association with the Rector, would have all their stipulation that that they should first apply thems­ needs provided for; elves to studying the language, there would be no obstacle whatsoever in doing without them, yea, even 4. Speaking in their, mother tongue, they would doing without all of them or at least with half be of help to their countrymen. the number. 5. As they know the Dutch language, they possess As far as 1 am concerned, I think that the the necessary qualifications to be made competent services of at least two full time persons for preaching duties. are neess-.uy for the performance of the duties of Rector, and since the duty of a Rector is a most 6. When they leave the Seminary they could find onerous one, he should be excused from interpreting., an open door for pursuing all other necessary gjSB 134 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 135

measures for their further edification in and know­ 1405 nouns (or substantives) ledge of God's Word, and 200 adjectives 307 verbs. 7. Consequently, they would be able to participate 114 adverbs. in every way in the important object (the conver­ 26 prepositions. sion of the heathen). 18 conjunctions. I hope that I have hereby satisfied Your 7 interjections Excellency's wishes, or I leave it to Your Excellency to decide whether I have done so: and I beg to 2077 words in all be, Right Honourable Sir, Your Excellency's obed­ ient servant. (Signed); Petrus Synjeu. (In the margin): Colombo, 18th June 1705. Which also includes 36 titles (or headings), the numbers and their numerical order, namely, the The Rev. Mr. In former times too the highflown and almost first, second, third, etc, the names of the months, RueVs large unintelligible Catechism of the Rev. Mr. Ruel days, etc, and also some portions of grammer, Catechism is had been introduced, but in the course of time namely: rejected it was found to be as unhelpful as the one in (5) Giving reasons for the gender of independent the High Malay language introduced at Batavia adjectival names. and elsewhere; wherefore it was thought best to reject the comprehensive Catechism of Mr. Ruel (6) The declensions of the same. here, and to revert to the one previously used which was intelligible. (7) The differentiation of persons. (8) The use of simple words such as: a, the, it, p. 451 (2). Brief description of the matters taught to and Brief account learnt by the students in the Seminary here from this, that, these, those, my, his your, their, her, of matters 22nd April 1706 up to the present day in the Dutch which, I, you, he etc., and their, declensions. studied by language. (9) The joining up (lit: combination) of indepen­ the Students. dent and adjectival namewords. 1. The difference of the letters and syllables in Dutch & Sinhalese, in which they chiefly had to be (10) The conjugations of'are' or 'is' and'were'. competent both in (respect of) conversation as well as in writing respectively. (11) And some common speech (i. e. ordinary conver­ sation). 2. A knowledge of the correct spelling of Dutch words and various proper nouns. Colombo, 21st July 1707.

3. The reading of various types of print and wri­ In the year. 1706, three students of the Rev, ting in an ordinary running hand (i. e. manuscript). Rector were again examined (in the presence of the Rev. Mr. Swem who had specially come over from 4. The translation of the following words in both Galle for the purpose) and also after all of them languages, namely: had previously been given the three texts: Romans 3, THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 137 vs. 24; 2 Peter 1, vs. 20 & 21; 1 Cor; 2, vs. 2. Persons The following persons are employed for the for their test, and at the request of His Reverence employed for work of the churches and schools and at the that they be sent to the examiner for their test. the work of Seminary, and according to the order of the Schools His Excellency the Governor Mr: Gerrit de After this examination had been put off for and the Heere in the year 1698, receive the following the 25th of October, they were examined on the Seminary monthly remunaration, namely: I8th of October by His Reverence, with the object of informing the Honourable Governor Mr. For the work of the Churches & Schools. Simons by (means of} a report as to whether they were also considered to be fit for promotion to the 1. Adam Fransz, Portuguese 'voodezer' (reader) office of Proponent, without however their being made who goes round instructing the congregation in Proponents immed iate 1 y thereafter. their houses ... . 6 rixdollars.

The Rev. Messrs. Oude, Rieinersrna &. Swem were 1. Pedro Pedran, teacher of doctrine who goes round commissioned to act as Judges of the same, and instructing the congregation in their homes in from the report submitted by them to the Hon. the Castle 2 1/5 rixdollars. Governor and Council of Colombo on the 22nd of October, they were unanimously of the opinion that p.452 (2). 1. Christovo Waas, teacher who goes round inst­ they were not at all satisfied that these students ructing the congregation in their homes in the had done their propositions according to their City ...2 1/5 rixdollars. expectations for such reasons as Their Reverences 16. schoolmasters at 1 1/5 rixdollars each, namely had added thereto at the time, which they also later positively adhered to in their further explanation 1 in the Tamil School. (i. e. clarification) of the same on the requisition of 1 at Wolvendaal. the Honourable Governor. 1 at Mutwal. 1 at Kotelawala. The Rev. Rector, although he was not quite I at the Pannebakkery. satisfied about this, asked Their Reverences for 1 at Nagamuwa. their further reasons, and Their Reverences replied 1 at Kelaniya. that they considered that they were not obliged to 1 at Cotta. do so, considering that these gentlemen (according 1 at Galkissa. to my opinion) had already expressed their reasons I at Wewala. appropriately and clearly in this matter to the £ at Moratuwa. Goverment authorities (i. e. the Governor and 1 at Panadura. Council). Wherefore, this gentlemen (i.e. the Rev. 1 at Rammukkana. Mr. Ruel) had to leave it at that 1 at Hoi-ana, 1 at Uduwara. The number of persons now employed for the work 1 at Diyagama. of the churches and schools and at the Seminary 16 persons, drawing a total sum of 28 4/5th rix­ may- be seen from the following list: dollars. 38 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 139 7 schoolmasters at Kalutara, drawing 1 2 /5th 1 Simon de Saram, Sinhalese, drawing rem­ rixdollars each, namely: uneration of 4 rixdollars.

1 at Wadduwa, 1 Domingo Dias, Tamil, drawing remuneration 1 at the Kalutara River. of 4 rixdollars. 1 at Payagala. p. 453 (/). At the Seminary 1 at Maggona. 1 at Beruwala. 1 Dutch schoolmaster at 24 guilders and auxiliary 1 at Alutgama. subsistence . .7|- rixdollars. 7 persons drawing a total sum of 9 4/5th- rixdollars. 2 writers (scribes), mixties, namely:

26 persons for transport purposes,, drawing a sum 1 Henrik Gerritsz (who draw besides their of 49 rixdollars. pay as soldiers): 3 rixdollars. 1 Jan Huylo 2\ rixdollars. 19 Sinhalese Assistant Masters at 1 rixdollars each, namely: 2 Sinhalese writers (scribes) namely;

1 at Wolvendaal. I Michel Fernando, who draws 3 1 in the Tamil school. rixdollars. 1 at Panadura. I Paulo Dias, who draws 3 1/5 1 at the Pannebakkery (Tile works). rixdollars. 1 at Kelaniya. 1 at Cotta. I Sinhalese schoolmaster, who draws ..4 2 at Galkissa. rixdollars. 1 at Moratuwa. 1 at Horana. 1 dhoby, who draws 4/5th rixdollars. 1 at Uduwara. 1 at the Kalutara River. 54 persons in all, who draw as remuneration a sum 2 at Kalutara Gravets. of 100 l/5th rixdollars. 1 at Maggona. 1 at Beruwala. Colombo, 27th November 1704. 2 at Aluthgama. Certified by: C. V. Ronderwerken. 1 at Payagala Predikants Having spoken at first about the Seminary 19 persons, drawing a total sum of 19 rixdollars, Who have (regarding which further mention will be made 2 Writers (lit: scribes) for the work of the Secretary served from heieafter in its appropriate place, we now pass on of the Court of Justice, the Rev Predikants during J706 to 1722 once again, after this digression of this year 1704, their inspections of the country schools, and else­ A. D. to the year 1706, to show how the services of where whenever needed by the Company, namely: persons, be they Predikants or Proponents, were further employed for the work of these churches. J40 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 141 gjg

In the year 1706.' The Proponents Willem Rev. Messrs. Jacobus van Jever and Joannes Philippus Conyn, Joannes van Leesten and Adolf Cramer came Wetzelius too were sent out here in this year, and out here. Of them, Mr. Cramer was appointed as both of them were stationed at Galle, and the Predikant at Jaffna in 1717 (Note obviously an error former died there in the year 1719, and the latter in printing for 1707), and the Rev. Mr. Conyn was still there in the year 1722. was appointed to Galle in the same year, where they still are The Rev. Mr. van Leesten too The Rev. Messrs. Wybrandus Scaevola and officiated, but died in the year 1714. Moses Hermanni were also sent out here in the year 1718, both of whom were stationed at Colombo lift the year 1711: The Rev. Joannes Buynlng where the latter died in the year 1721, but the former was appointed to Galle, and was still there in the was still there in the year 1722. year 1722. In the year 1722: The Rev, Messrs. Joannes In the year 1712: The Rev. Franciscus Engel- Gulielmus Marinus and Wetzelius Wibranda were bertus Le Boucq was sent to Ceylon and was sent out here and they were stationed at Galle, stationed at Colombo and was there until the year and in that same year the Rev. Messrs. Joan 1717, when he left for Batavia Bernard Noordbeek and Petrus Kalden were also In the year 1713: The Rev. Gellius Geldesma sent out here. left for Galle and was then stationed there, and In the year 1733 The Rev. Messrs. Dirk Jan he died there in the year 1717. van der Tyd, Bartholomeus Tyke and Henricus In the year 1715: The Rev. Jacobus de Jong Zaekens arrived here and were stationed at Colombo, was stationed at Colombo and he remained there and the Rev. Messrs. Kalden and Noordbeek were until the year 1717, when His Reverence left for stationed at Galle. Negapatnam. The Rev. Messrs. Scaevola and Godefridus, Joannes Keyerman, who arrived here in the year In the year 1716: The Rev. Mr. Conyn was 1722, were stationed at Jaffna, and the Rev. Mr. appointed as Predikant of Galle and the Rev. Adolf Cramer was stationed at Negombo in the year 1725. Cramer continued to serve as Proponent at Jaffna until the year 1721; but the Rev Mr. Conyn left After having thus far mentioned the stations for Colombo in the year 1717. and the periods of service of the Predikants at the several comptoirs of Ceylon, we must add to In the year 1718: The Rev. Messrs. Gerardus it further certain matters pertaining thereto. Potken and Sixtus a Buma came out here, the former ol" whom was stationed at Colombo and the The Stare of Regarding the state of the Ceylon churches, I find latter at Galle, where they still were in the year the Ceylon that it has been further recorded that in the year 1722, but the former had served at Jaffna for some Churches in 1681 there were 34 country churches at Jaffna in time 1691 A. D. which a sermon was read on Sundays by a Tamil schoolmaster. Tn this same, year, the Rev. Antontus Brummen was also sent out here and was stationed at Each Church also had a school and according to Jaffna, and he died there in the year 1719. The a register of Colombo of the 9th December 1684, mm 142 THE JOURNAL OF THE OUTCH BURGHER UNION 143 HB there were 24,753 souls there under the care of three Predikants, and among them were 4,033 chil­ de Heere took an altogether different view. He dren, and from March 1683 up to May 1684, 1,450 was not willing to deal with them so severely as children and 150 adults were also baptised there. the placcaats had prescribed. I also find from a letter of the Church Consistory of Colombo to p.454 (-/). At Galle and Matara there was nearly a similar the Hon. Mr. van Rheede dated the 15th of August number of Christians and children; and in Jaffna 1690 that His Honour intended at that time to (exclusive of Mannar) there were 141,456 Christians. establish a Tamil Seminary at Jaffna, with a view In the year 1688 the King ofKandy was at at the same time to turning out Proponents and enmity and in negotiation for peace with the Predikants among the Sinhalese there; but they Honourable Company, but he continued to be at enmity also informed him that specially capable teachers over the erection of a pagoda or idolatrous temple who could be temporarily relieved of their preach­ in the lowcountry territory of the Honourable ing duties would be needed for this purpose, and Company. that in the meantime the Rev. Mr. Speght had left for the Fatherland, the Rev. Mr. Kat was There were grave differences of opinion over this ill and already busy with so many other matters, matter even among our own people, some of them that the Rev. Mr. Masius was old, the Rev. Mr. being of the opinion that this concession should van der Bank still lacked experience, and the Rev. be granted to the King, but the Church Consistory Mr. Roman was unwilling and in a poor state of of Colombo wrote a lengthy letter on this subject health and already too old to undertake the to the Lords Seventeen, indicating how not only the work. Portuguese and other Christian people had always disapproved of and exterminated all idolatrous shrines and temples, but how even the State author­ The establishment of such Seminaria was in ity (i. e, the Government) here had also forbidden fact formerly very strongly recommended by the the same by the recent ptaccaat of the year 1682. Rev. Messrs. Walaeus, Voetius and Hoornbeek in Request by order to advance the work of conversion in the Raja Sinha This letter impressed the Lords Seventeen in Indies, and on the recommendation of the Rev. foraheathen the Fatherland so much that they, in the year 1619 Mr. Walaeus, the Lords Seventeen had also already temple in our (Note: obviously a printing error for 1719), congra- established a Seminary under the supervision of this territories tulated the Church Consistory for their zeal and gentleman for several years, but the Synod in the referred to also condemned this work completely, being un~ Fatherland very strongly opposed this as they cons- the Church willing to allow this concession to this King. considered that particular Church Consistories in Consistory the Indies should not be authorised (i.e. have the of Colombo Their Reverences were also thanked for this power) to ordain Predikants, which even the was refused, devoted zeal of theirs in a special way by the principal Classes in the Fatherland had never dared Evtabli- Honourable Commissary Mr. van Rhcede in a letter to undertake themselves. shment by His Honour dated the 19th of July 1690. of the Tamil Nevertheless, the authorities in Ceylon, Seminary in Then the extermination of idolatry there was in their fetter of the 26th January 1642 (Note: 1690 A. D. so strongly contemplated but the Land Regent Mr. obviously a printer's error for 1692) had informed jjjj 144 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION HS fi

the Fatherland that a Tamil and a Sinhalese Semi­ On the 6th of January 1694 it appeared that nary had been established there in the year 1690, . the [Rev. Mr. Kat was busy with the translation of the Old Testament into Tamil and Sinhalese. On the 23rd of February 1693, the authorities in Colombo said that the Tamil Seminary gave The Rev. Mr. de Mey too made great ende­ great hopes and good results, but they were not avours to turn out competent pupils in the Semi­ yet in a position to say anything about the Sinha nary, where the students had made great progress lese Seminary as they did not know how it was in their study of the Dutch language and religion functioning. l

Ceylon, viz: The Rev Messrs. Masius, Kat, de Differences Mr. Kat had erred (which he himself too admitted, Mey, dc Vriest, Simey, Roman, Ruel, Meed and, between the but over which he (who otherwise was also very Coyterus, ven der Bank, Agotha, Hakoma, Kroonen- Rev. Messrs strangely upset), regardless of his advanced years burg and Specht. Ruel and and consideiation for the fact that His Reverance Kat. (although he was greatly respected by native In 1697 A.D. On the 1st of February 1697 the authorities at writers) had however really first raised the issue the Rev. Mr Colombo wrote that the Rev. Mr. Kat was 62 years had treated him so harshly and roughly, Katwasstill old, but was nevertheless still busy compiling the wherefore his treatment of this old gentleman busy compil- Sinhalese dictionary for the; use of the Sinhalese (who appeared to be somewhat jealous about his nig his Seminary. great talent in Sinhalese which he possessed) was Dictionary very much disapproved of both at Batavia and also The Sinhalese Seminary existed previously, but in the Fatherland in the demand of His Reverence in 1696 A.D. really first began to function in the year 1696, from this old and industrious gentleman, who had the Sinhalese where there were 15 students recruited from the most acted in every way in good faith, though he had been Seminary influential native families, who were instructed by a at fault here and there, for the signing of a doc­ began to Dutch Master in the mornings and a Sinhalese Master in ument which, anyone who read it, would have function the noons. regarded as quite abhorrent and most unreasonable. For 2 or 3 years past the Deputies for Indian affairs at Amsterdam had had serious discussions The Rev. Mr. The Rev. Mr. Ruel was, according to a letter with the Advocate of the Honourable Company Mr. Ruel's written by the authorities at Colombo dated the Pieter van Das about this Seminary with a view to further 23rd of January 1699, busy revising what the Rev. abolishing (lit: stopping or preventing) it; but this activities in Mr. Kat had translated, while he himself was also gentleman had assured Their Honours that they 1699 A.D. occupied in translating some scripts for the Seminary. need have no fears whatsoever about it as it would automatically fall to the ground in less than 20 Death of the In the meantime, to the great sorrow of many years' time. Rev.Mr.de well-intentioned persons and to the great detriment Mey in 1699 of the Tamil Seminary, the active and zealous Rev. The Rev. Mr. Ruel was relieved of his duties after having Mr. de Mey died on the 28th of February 1699 in the year 1695 for a period of 1^ years to enable made some after he had served for 6 or 7 years as Rector of this him to learn Sinhalese, in which language His pupils profi- Seminary, and just before his death had helped two Reverence had already preached on two occasions. cient in students to progress so far in the year 1698 that preaching. they had expounded on two special texts in the In 1698 the In the year 1698 His Reverence, who was in presence of the Honourable Land Regent and several Rev. Mr. Colombo at the time, was appointed as Rector of other gentlemen5 and did so with great satisfaction, Ruel was this Seminary, and thus there was much hope of following whose footsteps yet two others subsequ­ appointed good both for the Seminary and for the Tamils. ently were also in a position to give proofs of ■Rector of the Round about this time serious differences arose their competence; but as no relief was forthcoming Tamil between the old Rev. Mr. Kat and the Rev. Mr. of young and active Predikants, everything began Seminary Ruel over the Sinhalese language. to decline again in a short space of time, and the In the basis of this matter, the Rev. Mr. Ruel services of a capable Rector were once again p. 455 (2). had pointed out many instances in which the Rev needed. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER USIOTS' 149 They lost This was followed then by differences between Services of the Rev. Messrs. de Vriest, Roman and Croon- the Church Consistory there, who re-installed His Six Predik- enburg in that same year, on account of which Reverence and sent him out again to Jaffna as ants. Ceylon had lost the services of six " Predikants in Rector (of the Tamil Seminary). So Mr. de Vriest, one year, namely; the Rev. Messrs. Meerland, was appointed in place of the Rector Mr. de Oude Hakoma, de Mey, Coiterus, Roman and de Vriest, in the year 1701, but the Rev. Messrs. Rakoms and as three of them had died dan three had left for Batavia. Roman left from Batavia for the Fatherland, the former in the year 1699 and the latter in the year The Rev. Mr. Voltelen was in fact sent out to 1700. Ceylon from the Fatherland, but he died on the voyage out on the ship'Overnes'. Note by translator: According to the marginal title of this paragraph, there seems to be some They had also heard that the Sinhalese Semin confusion of names in the printed text of this p 456 (1). ary had been abolished both by the Lords Sevent- para: The marginal title reads thus: The Rev, The Slnhale- een and by their Excellencies at Batavia, whereby Mr. de Oude in the year 1700 and the Rev. Mr. se Seminary all the labour expended in this language both by de Vriest in the year 170!, were appointed as abolished in the Rev. Messrs, Kat and Ruel and also by the Rector of the Tamil Seminary, but he goes to 1699 A. D. number of students (who had already made such Batavia. The Rev. Mr. de Vriest again Rector in progress and shown proofs of excellent success) 1701. were blasted (lit: reduced to ashes). Poor After the death of the Rev. Mr, de Mey and The Rev Mr. Ruel had also compiled a very condition of the departure of the Rev. Mr, de Vriest to Batavia, The Rev. fine Sinhalese Grammar with the intention of sen- the Tamil information was received from Colombo on the 2nd Mr. RueVs ding it over to the Lords Seventeen, which too Seminary. of December 1699 that the Tamil Seminary had as a further was now rescinded as it was consequently unne- result relapsed into a very bad state through the death proofs of cessary to have it printed.Besides this, His Reve- of the Rev. Mr, de Mey and the despatch of two diligence renee had also revised and improved the Catechism, or three othars to Batavia, which was quite under­ was busy revising the aforementioned Dictionary, standable since whereas there were 14 Predikants and had translated one portion of the Children's previously in Ceylon there were now only 4 or 5 Bible (consisting of the Books of the Old Testaament according to a letter from Colombo dated the 3rd The Rev. compiled by Professor Joannes Melchior), all of of December 1700. Mr. Oude which His Reverence now intended to discontinue appointed on the aboltiion of this Seminary. The Rev. The Rev. Mr. Ruel died in the year 1701, Rector in Mr Ruel which was a very great, loss to the Church in regard 1700, The Meanwhile, in the year 1700, the Rev. Mr. de dies in 1701 to the Sinhalese language, as he was the only one goes to Oude was appointed as Rector of the Tamil Seminary and the who preached in that language The Rev, Messrs, Batavia. in the place of the late Mr, de Mey; but the great toss Kat and Ma&ius had retired. The Rev. Mr. van der The Rev Mr. differences that arose between His Reverence and by his death Bank was still at Colombo, but the only one there. de Vriest is the Rev. Messrs. Roman and Kronsaburg was the when the Rev. Mr. Coting thereafter arrived there. again Rector cause of his departure for Batavia in the yeae The Rev. Mr. Agota was at Gatle, but he was very in 170IA.D. 1699, which were settled on the lOth of June by old. The Rev. Mr. Kroonenburg had left, but the fflm 150 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 151 .|£V

Rev. Mr. de Vriest was of very great help for the At this time the churches at Negombo, Seminary at Jaffna. Thus the earlier troubles were Kalutara, Tutucorin and Kalpitiya still came under entirely and completely removed. the jurisdiction of the Church of Colombo and had to be administered from there, which was Before his death, the Rev. Mr. Ruel had also indeed very difficult. translated the Formularies for the Lord's Supper, Baptism and Marriage, and it is strange, that this p. 456 (2). was not attended to earlier as it was most essential. In the year 1704, there were 253 Church members and 98 schoolchildren at Colombo; and After his death it was not possible to admini­ at the other places under its jurisdiction there ster the Lord's Supper in the Sinhalese language were also 29 Church members and 54 schoolchild­ to the Clnirch members there except through the ren. There were 30 churches in all, and there were services of a Portuguese interpreter, and that too 22,399 Christians belonging to Colombo, whereas very inefficiently and quite unimpressively, which for several years past there were 150,000 native was a direct result of the poor regard that people Christians at Jaffna, who, for their comfort and have for learned and zealous men, as others, seeing edification had nothing more than some translated how little regard is paid to their work as it has prayers, the Catechisms and the comfort of the indeed been the case that how much ridicule they sick, without any portion of God's Word or even have to put up with, and how little encouragement any translations . of the same or any printed ser­ they receive in their work, they are reluctant to un­ mons. For although the Rev. Mr. Kat had devoted dertake the task because they are held in less respect much zeal in the translation of several useful thereafter, that those who just mind their own business books and in investigating into the religion of the without undertaking the task of interpreting in foreign p. 457(1). heathens, and the Rev. Mr. Ruel had also done languages; But if such a scholarly person (who finally his best to do so, of what use could all this be becomes frustrated thereby) happens to die or to when these works remained unprinted? It only depart elsewhere, then they feel very sorry and there helped to ' deter other industrious persons from is no means then of remedying such a loss in ever undertaking any such work. whatever difficulties one may be placed if the Dutch language had not been introduced at the The Rev. In the year 1705:' the Rev. Petrus Synjeu was beginning, and so this is still done. Mr. Synjeu appointed Rector of the Sinhalese Seminary by the appointed authorities at Colombo: he also, according to their The Sinhalese In the year 1704, the Sinhalese Seminary Rector of letter dated the 7th of February 1707, preached Seminary is (in compliance with the decision made thereover the Seminary once in every 14 days. revived in by the Lords Seventeen in the Fatherland) was in 1705 A.D. 1704 A. D. re- organised. Their Reverences in the Fatherland There.were also 22,219 Christians at or under also had the Sinhalese Grammar printed in the the jurisdiction of Colombo at the time; and in year 1703, and decided to send six Proponents 1706 the Proponents Messrs. Conyn, van Leesten and Cramer had also arrived there. (though only three eventually left) to Ceylon in, His zeal order to meaningfully help in the progress of the in this work, In the year 1709, the Rev. Mr. Synjeu had work there. 1709 A. D. made such progress with some■ of the students that i52 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURCJHER UN1QN 133 they were able to competently instruct the natives in the fundamentals of religion. And the total The Rev. Mr. Conyn already preached in the number of native Christians here consisted of 26.278 country languages and in Sinhalese at Galle. persons. In the year 1713, the Seminary students at Colombo In the year 1710: the Proponents learnt the were examined with much satisfaction on the country languages most assiduously, while several "Ways of Truth" of the Rev. Mr. ; van den Honart students, especially three of them, had edified their and on Revealed Theology. countrymen fervently by their preaching and cate­ chising, by preaching on all Sundays to a separate According to a letter dated the 6th of November congregation in the Tamil language. 1713. the Rev. Messrs. Leestecn and Cramer had also made much progress in their study of the At that time, 84 adults and 1838 children were languages. baptised at Colombo. In the year 1714, the industrious Rev. Mr. Buyning alone was at Jaffna, although 3 or 4 The students too were examined in the presence Ministers were needed there. However, the Rev of several persons in the Dutch language in grammar Mr. Cramer helped him off and on, while he too and syntax and in Theology and their further essen­ had made fair progress in the study of the Tamil tial studies, and they were found to be very effici­ language. \ ent and knowledgeable. The Rev. Mr. Agotha who was nearly 80 years Comments on At Jaffna, where there were only the Rev. de of age too now began to be very weak under the the state of Vriest and the Rev. Mr. Buyning, there were about burden of his work at Gaile. their Chur- 50 churches and about 115,000 Christians. ches conse­ The .Rev. Mr. van Leesten died at Matara in quent The RevP Mr. Synjeu also instructed his pupils the year 1714. thereon. in the 'Outline' of the Rev. Mr d'Outrein, and The Rev. Mr. de Vriest was now at Colombo was shortly due to instruct them in van dar Honart's and according to the latest statistics there were 38, "Ways of Truth". 779 Christians there. Morever, in a letter dated the 3rd of Novem­ In the year 1718 it was reported from there ber 1711, it was further reported that the Propon­ that the Rev. Mr. Cramer had made great progress ent Mr. Conyn had translated into Sinhalese the in the Tamil language, I Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and the autho­ rities of Ceylon also requested to be informed whether In the year 1719: it appeared that the Rev.I they should not promote the Proponents to the office Mr. Conyn was appointed to Colombo in placa of of Predikant. On the 9th of December 1712, the the Rev. M. de le Boucq who had left, and that authorities at Colombo wrote that there were 35,271 the Churches and schools there had been blessed and made remarkable progress. Christians there and that 136 mare had been added during that year, The Rev. Mr. Synjeu was zealously working at Colombo with the Seminary students, who had already 154 THE JOURNAL GF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 155 PI

advanced to the study of Revealed Theology, although of comprehension were unfit to undertake further no examination was held owing to their being yet studies, but were nevertheless useful for employment unfit for the same, as schoolmasters.

At Galle, the Rev. Mr. Geldesma had already The former 7 students were examined in Natural died in the year 1717; and at Jaffna the feeble Rev. Theology and had now passed on to the study of Mr. Buyning was assisted by the Proponent Adolf Revealed Theology, using therefor the Synopsis of Cramer. Burmanni in which they were fairly knowledgeable, but they were acquainted therein only in regard to According to the report from Colombo dated the points against Heathens, Moors and Papists. the 17th of December 1717, the Rev. Mr. Synjeu had also satisfactorily examined 8 students of the At Colombo there were now 40,765 Christians Sinhalese Seminary on the principal points of the 17 and in the whole of Ceylon, excluding Jaffna, there chapters in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th books of 'The was a total number of 179, 715 Christians. Ways of Truth' of Mr. Van den Honart in the year In the year 172l: the authorities in the Indies 1717, which added that since the last inspection of reported from a letter dated the 3 November 1719 the district of Colombo, 2,414 persons were added addressed to them from Jaffna, that the Rev. Messrs. to the earlier number of Christians, and that the Buyning, Scaevola, Potken and Hermanni were still total number was now round about 40,690 persons. there, and that the lastnamed person had been sum­ moned from there to Colombo to replace the late At Jaffna, the Rev. Mr. Buyning. suffered so Rev. Mr. Van Brummen, badly from weak eyesight that he was unable to preach, so that the Rev. Mr. Cramer had now acted There were 189,764 native Christians' at Jaffna for him, but that he was unable yet to say what in that year, and the Tamil Seminary continued to progress had been made in his Tamil work and on function as before, to which 6 youths were again the state of the churches there. The native Pro­ recently admitted; and the two native Proponents ponents here also did their best in preaching and too were making headway with their work of ins­ catechising in order to edify their countrymen, but tructing the Sinhalese and Tamils there in the fun­ there were generally complaints here that the har­ damentals of our religion, vest truly was plentiful and that the labourers for the same were far too few. At Galle there were now (i.e. in 1721) the Rev. Messrs. a Buma & Wetzelius and the Proponenl (/) Itt the year 1720: it was found from the re­ Mr. Cramer who was transferred there to replace the ports sent to Batavia and tne Fatherland that the late Rev. Mr. Van .Tever. The total number o] old Rev. Mr. Agatha, who was now 81 years old, Christians there was 27,040." still continued to serve at Guile, and that the Rev- Colombo had the services of the Rev. Messrs. di Mr. Buyning continued to serve at Jaffna as before. Oude, de Vriest, Conyn and Hermanni who was The Rev. Mr. Synjeu was still busy at Colombo with summoned there from Jaffna. the work of the Seminarians, and there were now 7 students and 7 scholars {i. e. pupils) in that Semi­ In this year (1721) there were 41,160 Christian: nary, but the latter on account of their slow powers there, as several persons had died of the plague. DUTCH BURGHER UNION 15? § SI156 THE JOURNAL OF THE The total number of native Christians was 41,467 The Sinhalese Seminary at Colombo had not and they were very zealous, especially at Negombo made the same progress as before to the satisfaction where the Rev. Mr, Cramer was stationed for of the Rev. Mr. Synjeu, which was mostly due to some time to learn Tamil. His Reverence's disability. The Seminary here at Colombo had made good In the year 1722: nearly the same report was progress and the students had greatly advanced in received from Jaffna regarding the state of the their studies both in the 'Outline' of Mr. D' Out- Church there, but from a letter from Colombo rein and also in the Synopsis of Burmannus: but dated the 7th of November 1720 (signed by the the general complaint heie was over the great Rev. Messrs. Potken and Synjeu and the Elder dearth"'6f Predikants in so great a harvest, as they p. 458 (2). Mr. van Gent), it appeared thai the results of had lost 4 Predikants- within' a period of 2 the labours of the native Proponents were not so years. bad and according to their expectations could be yet better. In the year 1723: news was received from the Ceylon authorities that in the year 1721 Colombo The following statistics were reported:- still had the services of the Rev. Messrs. de Vriest, the Rector Mr. Synjeu (who was really feeble The Tamil Christians numbered.. 189,388. persons. but still full of zeal), Conyn and Marinus, but Of whom the baptised adults numbered .. 119, 927 Mr. Wibranda had died on the voyage and the Rev. The baptised and alreadyinstructed numbered 28, 488 " Mr. Wetzelius was also summoned here from The unbaptised infants numbered 31, 439 " Galle, and earlier the Rev. Mr. Potken too. The unbaptised boys numbered 2, 799 " The number of Christians here here was 41,467. The unbaptised girls numbered 1,493 " The further native Christians numbered 179,845 „ Jaffna continued to have the services of the Rev. Mr. Buyning (though he was still in the same At Galle: there were 55,159 Christians, who state of health as before) and the Rev. Mr. Scae- were fairly advanced in knowledge according to the vola. The number of Chiistians there was 189,388. report regarding them at the last Church and school inspection by the Rev Mr. a Buma. At Galle, there was the Rev. Mr. a Buma and the Rev. Mr. Wetzelius, but the latter was summoned Colombo had then the services of the Rev. to Colombo. There was also the Proponent Messrs. de Vriest, Conyn and Potken, the lastnamed Mr. Cramer, and all of them had to minister to over 55,159 Christians. of whom was summoned there to replace the Rev. Moses Hermanni, who had died in March that From a letter written from Colombo dated the year. 14th of November 1721, it was observed that the Rev. Messrs. de Vriest, Synjeu, Potken and Wet­ The Rev, Mr. de Oude too had died shortly zelius were still there, and that Mr. Synjeu had before in that year, to the sorrow of many souls. examined 7 students on the 10th of November on the questions of Borstius, and had registered their The Church here was found to be in a flour­ competence In reading and writing Dutch. ishing condition everywhere at the last inspection. THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION \$$ g The students were meanwhile most industrious in revising and learning to understand both the The Rev. Mr. a Buma was at Galle and the 'Outline' of Mr D'Outrein and also the 'Synopsis' Rev. Messrs. Marinus & Wibfanda were sent there of Burmannus, with which they were already quite from Batavia, but the latter died on the voyage. familiar. There were 51,711 Christians and 110 Church members at Galle. Colombo had now also got three new churches. so that they now had 38 churches in all. Jaffna still had the services of the Rev. Messrs. Buyning and Scaevola, and there were then 182,302 The congregations at Negombo were looked Christians and 273 Church members there. after (i. e. ministered to) in the Tamil language So that: The Church of Colombo by the Rev. Mr. de Vriest and in the Sinhalese language by the Rev. Mr. Conyn, and the Rev. Mr. consisted of 34,894 persons. Cramer too ministered to the Dutch and Tamil The Church of Galle consisted of 58,711 congregations there and learnt the latter language The Church of Jaffna consisted of 182,302 most diligently. The Proponent Jan Ignatius too Making a total of ^7T90^ did much work there in preaching and catechising. There was not much said in praise of the indus- The new congregations in the Church and schools triousness of the native Proponents, but 6 young men of Toppupetti, Pancare and Hunupitiya and at who were placed in the Seminary by the Land Regent Cotta were looked after by the Rev. Mr. Conyn, and Mr. Rumph gave very good proofs of their diligence and good comprehension. the number of Church members was now as folio ws;- The number of schools At Colombo 310 was as follows:- Colombo .38 In tne Leper Asylum .;... 15 Galle (8 At Negombo .'.. 170 Matara '9 Total 75. ,, Cotta & its suburbs 70 p, 459 (2). According to the last news of Ceylon in the „ Kalpitiya 12 year 1725, the following persons were serving there at the time:- „ Tutucorin 24 Total 621 „ Jaffna 309 At Colombo: the Rev. Messrs de Vriest, Synjeu „ Galle & Matara 121 (as Rector), Conyn, Potken, Joannes Philippus Wet- ,, 31 zelius, and the Rev. Cornells de Bucq who had recent­ ly arrived there. ,, Mannar ... . 30 „ Trincoraalee . 35 Total 526 At Galle: the Rev. Messrs a Buma, Doctor of Total number of Church Members 1147 Philosophy, Joannes Wilhelmus Marinus, and Petrus Kalden who had come there recently. The total number of Christians at Colombo was 34,894. At Jaffna: The Rev. Messrs. Buyning, Wibran- dus Scaevola, Godefridus Joannes Weyerman (who THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 161 g|f had also arrived there recently), Joannes Bernardus therefore be paid to those who undertook this Noordbcek and Adolf Cramer. task and were competent to do so, than what has hitherto generally been accorded to them. Besides these, the following had also come to Ceylon:- Besides this, it would easily be seen that in ln the year 1723? there were stationed at Colombo the case of those persons who really had a flair the Rev. Dirk Jan van der Tyd and the Rev. Bartholo- for such work and were devoted to their works, meus Tyke, who were supplemented in the year 1724 which they had produced with the sweat of their by the Rev. Henricus Zaekens; and in the year 1725, brows after such hard labour, as for instance the the following persons died here; - namely:- Rev. Mr. Kat and the Rev Mr, Ruel, all their labour and all their works have in fact, even during The Rev. Messrs de Vriest and le Bucq at their lifetime, to a great extent been rendered Colombo and the Rev. Mr. a Buma at Galle. p. 460 (1). useless by the aboliton ofthe Seminary; And although I could here add still more particulars and also it was revived again, there was at the time once some rare events and Church proceedings, but it is again a lack of learned men, although the active not possible to mention everything Mr. Synjeu had later specialised in his knowledge of the Sinhalese language. I could also add here what the Rev. Mr. Baldaeus says about the state of the Church in his time, but The testimony always given regarding these one can far'better read it himself, except for the Christians generally, though they were many in fact that the Church had not yet been fully advanced number, is that they were very poor in knowledge; at that time. but how could it have been otherwise, especially If 1 may now make a brief comment on this considering how few learned Predikants there were subject generally and regarding so great a number during all that time, whereas, on the contrary, the of Predikants as can be seen from the following services of at least four at one and the same time summary list, I find that among them there were very were continuously needed for each Seminary and few who took trouble to learn the Tamil or Sinhalese the corresponding churches and that four others languages and made use of them effectively. were needed as a reserve in case of the death or departure of the others, so that then there was In the Tamil language, the Rev. Mr. Baldaeus not one too many. Thus, one could well see the made a beginning in the same, but those who reason why the results were not more satisfactory, were outstanding in it were the Rev. Mr. de Ney, namely: because there were too few labourers in the Rev. Mr. de Vriest aud the Proponent Mr. p. 460(2). the harvest (i. e. vineyard). Cramer, and in the Sinhalese language, the Rev. Messrs. Kat, Ruel, Synjeu and .Conya. And besides this, it will be seen that hitherto no works of interest in Sinhalese or Tamil have This indeed clearly shows and proves that yet come to light although there were several among such a small number of so very active men excellent works made ready for publication, but not all of them were even capable of learning lang­ it was expected that one or two learned Predikants uages, and that more respect 3

thousands of persons and that the others would LIST OF THE PREDIKANTS AT POINT DE GALLE also eventually be converted, which was indeed impossible to accomplish. Predikants of Galle If these men had now had the Bible translati­ p. 460. Antonius Hornhovius 1642. ons and other essential books printed, it is quite Joannes Sterthemius 1643 to 1645. certain that this would have been of extraordinary Antonius Hilarius 1645 to 1649. help to them and would have supported the work Antonius Lenzius 1648 to 1650. of the Predikants. Henricus Bongaard 1648. Franciscus Wyngaarden 1651 to 1660. We would now conclude our comments on Dominicus Vinsemius 1652. matters concerning the Ceylon churches, but wc Petrus Kesselemrus 1655. (Died in 1655). would also append below some lists of the Predi­ Philippus Baldaeus 1656 to 1657. kants who served there. Joannes Feireira a d' 1656 to 1658. Left in 1658 Almeyda. for Tutucorin and in 1663 from there for Batavia. Joannes a Breyl. 1658 He was transferred to Mannar in [658, remained there till 1661 and then left for Jaffna. Bartholomeus Heynen 1664 to 1679. Jacobus Burenius 1667 to 1676. Jacobus Schee 1668 Jacobus Corf 1668 to 1611 (obviously an error for 1711), when he died. Nicolaus Agotha 1668 to J718. But he was at Negombo from 1697. He died in 1718, aged 81 years. Nicolaus Livius 1690 to 1691, when he died Gerardus Hacoma 1692 to 1697. Thomas van Siniey 1667 to 1699. (Maybe an error for 1697-1699) Regnerus Kroonenburg 1698 to 1700. Arnoldus Swem 1702 to 1711. Gellius Geldesma 1713 to 1717 When he died. IIM64 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 165 W& WillemConyn 1716 to 1717. Joannes Fredericus SixtusaBuma 1718 to 1725, when he died. Stumphius 1678 to 1680. Left for Jacobus van Jever 1718 to 1719, when he Batavia. died. Jacobus op den Acker. 1678 to 1688. Joannes Philippus Joannes Fredericus Wetzelius 1718 to 1721. Stumphius 1681 to 1693, when he died. Joannes Guilelmus Joannes Coyterus 1681 to 1686. Feico Weilama Marinus 1722. 1685. For a short time and Wetzelius Wibranda 1722. Died on the voyage then at Matara. from Batavia to Adrianus Backer 1585 to 1687. Francois Chasse Ceylon. 1686 to 1694, when Petrus Kalden 1723. he died. Conradus Kroonenburg 1686 to 1687, when LIST OF THE PREDIKANTS OF NEGOMBO he died. Philippus de Vriest. 1692 to 1699. Joannes Roman Predikants of Antonius Stamperius 1642. 1692 to 1699, when he Negombo and Franciscus Wyngaarden 1655. (For a short time). left for Batavia Matara. Theodorus Kloppenburg. 167$ Died in 1676. Joannes Coyterus 1699. Died in 1699. Marcus Masius. 1676. to 1691 Regnerus Kroonenburg 1696 to 1698. Joannes Coyterus 1681 to 1611 (Probably an Gerardus Hecoma 1698 to 1699. Philippus de Vriest error for 1691). 1700 to 1713. (On his Nicolaus Agotha 1697 to 1698. return) from Batavia Joannes Roman 1700 to 1701. (On his LIST OF THE PREDIKANTS OF MATARA. return from Batavia). Died in 1701. Gerardus de Oude Feico Weylsraa 1685 to 1697, when he died. 1700 to 1703. Francois van de Sande Regnerus Kroonenburg 1692 to 1699. 1702 to 1705, whenhedied. Joannes Buyning Gerrardus Hacoma 1697 to 1698. 1711 to 1723. He is still there. Antonius van Brummen LIST OF THE PREDIKANTS OF JAFFNA 1718 to 1719, whenhedied Wybrajidus Scaevola 1718 to 1723. He is still there. Predikants of Philippus Baldaeus 1658 to 1665. Joannes Bernardus Jaffna and Joannes a Breyl 1661 to 1665. Noordbeek Colombo Bartholomeus Heynen 1664 to 1676. But he was 1723. Adolphus Cramer 1723. here for a short time and went to Galle. LIST OF THE PREDIKANTS OF COLOMBO. Servatius Clavius 1667 to 1679. Adrianus de Mey 1678 to 1699. Died. Ludovicus Bogaard 1663. Gerardus Holkenburg 1660 to 1662, when he died 166 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 167 Joannes Nathanael Donker 1661. Died in 1661. Moses Hermanni 1718 to 1720 Henricus Wallius 1662. Joannes Philippus Antonius Siferius 1662. Gosuimus Slipperius 1662. Died in 1662. Wetzelius 1721. Balthasar Obie de Meter 1663 to 1663 (?). Joannes Bernardus Jacobus Maxwel 1664 to 1668. Joannes de Voogd 1667 to 1679. Noordbeek 1722 to 1723. Arrived Arnoldus Corschot 1667. here in 1722. Jacob Corf 1668. Petrus Kalden 1722 to i723. Arrived Laurens Hemling 1669 to 1675. here in 1722. Simon Kat 1671 to 1704, when he died. Hermanus Specht 1674 to 1691. Comelis de Bucq 1725. Died in 1725. tDavid Farny 1675 p. 462, Having now carefully considered everything which Lucas Bosch ab Os 1676 to 1676 (?) we have written down both in regard to the more 'Arnoldus Japyn 1682 to 1685, when he died recent discovery of Ceylon and also the cities and Henricus vanLaren 1683 to I685,iwhen hedied. territories here which have been conquered by the Netherianders, we must admit that whatever may be Isaac van der Bank 1687 to 1703. said of the Fathers (lit: Ancients) of Ceylon, or what­ Marcus Masius 1691 to 1706, when he died. ever they or even other people of may Joannes Ruel 1692 to 1701, when he died. say in this connection regarding the activities in Rudolphus Meerland, 1692 to 1699, when he died. the East, they are in no way comparable with Hermanus Specht1' 1694 to 1699, when he died. the discoveries of the more gallant Batavtans or with the conquests of territories and the victories which Thomas van Simey; 1699 to 1700. they have achieved there: Wherefore we consider Philippus Goting ,.■ 1700 to 1705. that it is necessary to give them due credit for Nicolaus Rimersma ' 1702 to 1711. the same. Gerardus de Oude 1703 to 1720, when he died- Petrus Synjeu 1704 to 1723. He is still Wherewith we finally conclude this account there. of Ceylon in order to pass on to the description of (the Coast of) Malabar. Engelbertus Franciscus At the end of the volume there are wood-cut leBoucq. 1712 to 1717. drawings of the following maps etc. Philippus de Vriest 17f2 to 1725, when he died. 1. Plan of Point de Galle. 2. The City (Fort) of Galle. Jacobus de Jong 1715 to 17i7 3. The Fort of Mannar. 4. The House of the Governor at Colombo. WillemConyn 1717 to l723-r He is still 5. Plan of the garden behind the Governor's house there. at Colombo. Gerardus Potken 1718 to 1723. He is still there- 6. One part of the Governor's house at Colombo, from behind on the garden side. THE JOURNAL OF THE The Portuguese Burghers and the Dutch

7. Recreation room (lit: house) situated on the Burghers of Sri Lanka. * seaside in front of the hall (or verandah) of the Governor's house at Colombo. Percy Colin-Thome

8. Outhouse of the Governor, in front of which One of the great shifts in world power and economic the trees which obstructed the view have been strength took place between 1450 and 1700. Before that Western removed. Europe had been of little consequence in the affairs of the world. In this era and Holland, two small European 9. The outhouse from the posterior side. countries had an enormous impact on world history by virtue of the skills of their navigators, ship builders and gunners 10. Plan of Jaffna supported by their traders, administrators and clergy.

11. A Sinhalese man and woman. In September, 1500, an expedition under Pedralvares Cabral which had left Portugal the previous March arrived at Calicut. 12. Plan of the Fort of Batticaloa, This was perhaps the first trading mission to come to India from the West. In November, 1502, Vasco de Gama appeared 13. Plan of Batticaloa from the seafront. before Cochin. These incursions were the prelude to the presence of Portuguese armadas in the Malabar waters in the 14. Ground plan of the Fort of Trincomalee with early 16th century which compelled the Moors engaged in the the Pagoda Hill there. spice trade to create a new route for themselves between 15. The elephant kraal in the year 1717 in the Ceylon and the Maldives. On hearing of this the Viceroy Alutkuru Korale in the village of Horagalla. Dom Francisco de Almeida decided to send his son Dora Lourenco to investigate the new route as well as to report 16. Ground plan of the Castle of Jaffna. on Ceylon and the Maldives, which were of such importance for their cinnamon and coir. Dom Lourenco was carried by 17. Jaffna's Cross Church ('Kruys Kerk). currents and arrived in Galle in 1505. He sailed away after a brief stay there.

It was not until 1518 that the Portuguese established a foothold in the Island. Lopo Soares de' Albergaria arrived at Galle with a powerful fleet and a month later sailed for Colombo and landed there after overcoming a short resistance. A fort was built and Portuguese power was gradually con­ solidated and extended along the coastal areas,

* A revised version of a paper presented at a work­ shop on "The Cultural Minorities of Sri Lanka," organised by the International Centre for Ethnic Studies at Colombo, 13 October 19S4. THE JOURNAL OF THE 170

The drive behind these risky journeys to the Far East in frail boats through perilous seas has been described by various writers. Ribeiro in his book "Ceilao", under the chapter entitled "In which the Riches of Ceilao are Described," said; (1)

"The king who allowed us to enter the Island was the King of Cotta, and as I have already stated he was styled Emperor. Almost all his territory which stretched from Chilao to two miles beyond the Temple of Tanavare were cinnamon jungles; these are so dense that a man cannot walk through them a stone's throw. In shape the leaves of the cinnamon resemble those of the plantane in that they have three ribs, and in texture the laurel; when cru­ shed between the fingers their smell is as of the best cloves of Rochclla.

Precious stones are also found in great abundance in the "kingdoms of Ceitavaca, Dinavaca, Candia, Uva and Cotta, within a circumference of sixty seven leagues. Here all the valle­ ys and mountains are full of them and they are obtained with little trouble; such as rubies, the finest that can be found anywhere within our discoveries, all in separate crystals; sapphires, topazes, (some of them of extraordinary size), cat's eyes, (some have been found worth 20,000 cruzados), garnets, beryls, jacinths, tourmalines, and various others of which they make no account, as they are the stones with which the river beds are furnished.

There is an abundance of cardamons in the Kingdom of Candia and they are of such a great size that six of the Cananor kind do not equal one of the Candian; throughout the Island there is plenty of Brazil wood, which is called Sapan in India where it fetches a high price. Every year there is exported from the Kingdom of Cotta up to a thousand champanas of areca: (a champana is like a suraaea of forty tons) for this article is in great demand over the whole of India, There is also a large number of elep­ hants and much pepper both of which rank among the best in the East. The earth yields much iron and also two kinds of resin; the varieties of timber are so numerous 171 DUTCH BURGHER UNION THE JOURNAL OF THE 170 3

that the choice of them will cause confusion; and there The drive behind these risky journeys to the Far East in are several other products which I shall for greater clearness frail boats through perilous seas has been, described by various describe each in its own place." writers. Ribeiro in his book "Ceilao", under the chapter entitled "In which the Riches of Ceilao are Described," said; (1) In addition to its riches the strategic value of Ceylon in relation to the Indian peninsula became known in Portuguese "The king who allowed us to enter the Island was the times. As early as 1614 a Portuguese Captain warned Philip King of Cotta, and as I have already stated he was styled 111 (11 of Portugal) that Ceylon was "The key to all India." Emperor. Almost all his territory which stretched from He concluded a long memorial on the subject with the prophetic Chilao to two miles beyond the Temple of Tanavare were words: cinnamon jungles; these are so dense that a man cannot "If your Majesty loses Ceylon, we can say we have lost walk through them a stone's throw. In shape the leaves all India and its commerce - which may God prevent" (2) of the cinnamon resemble those of the plantane in that they have three ribs, and in texture the laurel; when cm In 1770, Abbe Reynal in the "History of the Settlements shed between the fingers their smell is as of the best and Trade of the Europeans in the East and West Indies" cloves of Rochella. wrote about Ceylon's excellent cinnamon and Precious stones are also found in great abundance in the "richest Pearl Fishery of the East; its ports were the best kingdoms of Ceitavaca, Dinavaca, Candia, Uva and Cotta, in India, and its geographical position surpassed all those within a circumference of sixty seven leagues. Here all the valle­ extraordinary advantages It is the centre ys and mountains are full of them and they are obtained of the East, the passage, which conducts to the most with little trouble; such as rubies, the finest that can be wealthy regions Numerous squadrons sent found anywhere within our discoveries, all in separate forth from its various harbours would have commanded crystals; sapphires, topazes, (some of them of extraordinary the, respect of all Asia, and their vessels cruising in the size), cat's eyes, (some have been found worth 20,000 neighbouring seas would easily have intercepted the navi­ cruzados), garnets, beryls, jacinths, tourmalines, and various gation of other powers" (3). others of which they make no account, as they are the stones with which the river beds are furnished. Indeed, even after Ceylon was actually lost, the memory was so distressing to the Portuguese that Frei Fernao de There is an abundance of cardamons in the Kingdom of Queiroz began his history of the Island by saying: Candia and they are of such a great size that six of the "Of all the great and lamentable losses and ruins of the Cananor kind do not equal one of the Candian; throughout Portuguese State in the East Indies, the greatest and most the Island there is plenty of Brazil wood, which is called painful was the Island of Ceylon, because Sapart in India where it fetches a high price. Every year of the fruitful and most rich and in every respect most . there is exported from the Kingdom of Cotta up to a happy kingdom which was thereby lost, the enormous thousand chajnpanas of areca: (a champana is like a sumaca expense incurred and the bloodshed and the of forty tons) for this article is in great demaiid over lives it cost the Portuguese nation: of all which came to the whole of India. There is also a large number of elep­ naught by our mismanagement " (4). hants and much pepper both of which rank among the best in the East. The earth yields much iron and also Since the administration of Affonso de Albuquerque in two kinds of resin; the varieties of timber are so numerous 171 DUTCH BURGHER UNION DUTCH BURGHER UNION l^Bf. that the choice of them will cause confusion; and there are several other products which I shall for greater clearness India (1509-1515) the Portuguese followed a policy-of assimi­ describe each in its own place," lation by promoting marriages between the Portuguese and Indian woman. The troops married women' of. good caste, In addition to its riches the strategic value of Ceylon in who, moreover had first been baptized. Unlike the Dutch and relation to the Indian peninsula became known in Portuguese the British who were mainly birds of passage the Portuguese times. As early as 1614 a Portuguese. Captain warned Philip intended to settle permanently in-the colonies. The locali­ 111 (11 of Portugal) that Ceylon was "The key to all India." ties where the Portuguese were permitted to trade were looked He concluded a long memorial on the subject with the prophetic upon by them from the first as destined to become colonies words: of their "most Christian King." Where they landed they meant to stay. They brought no women with them in their crowded "If your Majesty loses Ceylon, we can say we have lost flimsy craft in which they struggled past the Cape of Storms all India and its commerce - which may God prevent" (2) afterwards named the Cape of Good Hope until they anchored off Indian, Ceyionese and Sumatran ports. A high death rate In 1770, Abbe Reynal in the "History of the Settlements from malaria, dysentry and other tropical diseases were other and Trade of the Europeans in the East and West Indies" hazards which discouraged women from venturing with their wrote about Ceylon's excellent cinnamon and men to the East. It was inevitable, therefore, that the Portu­ - "richest Pearl Fishery of the East; its ports were the best guese took, unto themselves wives from the places where they in India, and its geographical position surpassed all those settled. In Ceylon, , the Portuguese Burghers are the descendants extraordinary advantages It is the centre of the intermarriages between the Portuguese and the Sinhalese of the East, the passage which conducts to the .most and Tamils in the Costal areas. They were known as Tupases wealthy regions Numerous squadrons sent or Mestizos. From the Dutch and the Oratorian documents it forth. from its various harbours would have commanded seems clear that the Tu pases were those who could claim a the respect of alt Asia, and their vessels cruising in the Portuguese ancestor while the Mestizos were those directly neighbouring seas would easily have intercepted the navi- born from a European father and a native mother (5). ■ gation of other powers" (3). :The fortunes of this cpmunity prospered so long as Indeed, even after Ceylon was actually lost, the memory Portuguese power prevailed in the Island. They were attached was so distressing to the Portuguese that Frei Fernao de to the courts of justices, merchants and administration. The Queiroz began his history of the, Island by saying; Portuguese retained the old Sinhalese administrative organization which prevailed in disavas and korales modified and"' altered "Of all the great and lamentable losses and ruins of the to suit the needs of the conquerors (6). In addition to the Portuguese State in the East Indies, the greatest and most territorial divisions under officials whose functions were political painful was the Island of Ceylon, because or military, there' were other departments-concerned with the of the fruitful and most rich and in every respect most collection of revenues or utilization of labour services, which happy kingdom which was thereby lost, the enormous employed the Tupases. However, most of the higher offices expense incurred and the bloodshed and the were held by Portuguese. All the inhabitants were enlisted into lives it cost the Portuguese nation; of all which came to militia companies, same being exclusively Portuguese, others naught by our mismanagement " (4). werre heterogenous companies: consisting of descendants.'.;©]: Po-iu'guese--native marriages," Sinhalese, Tamil, Kaffirs. ■ besides Since the administration of Affonso de Albuquerque in the ^Portuguese themselves. aMi 173 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGER UNION 174; With the capitulation of Colombo to the Dutch on the in Tamil and Parangi in Sinhalese derived from Feringhee 10th of May, 1656, the fortunes of the Portuguese community a word used to designate native born Portuguese of the plummeted. The trade rivalry and the fanatical religious enclaves of Goa etc. No census has been taken of the quarrel between the Portuguese and the Dutch were transported Portuguese Burghers as a separate entity. It is difficult there­ from Europe to the tropics and inflicted on a defenceless people. fore to speculate with any degree of certainty what their The Dutch Calvinists matched the fanaticism of the Roman numbers are, perhaps only a few thousands. According to Catholics with their own brand of fanaticism. Under the F. R. Ragel, President of the Burgher Union, Batticaloa, there Batavian Code of 1642. are about 2000 Burgher families today (1984) in Batticaloa (9). According to Dennis B, McGilvray who did extensive research "No other religion will be exercised, much less taught or in Eurasian ethnicity in Sri Lanka in the early 80s a strict propagated either secretly or publicly, than the Reformed division between the Dutch and Portuguese Burghers was Christian Religion as it is taught in the public churches of impossible to sustain; traces of Dutch and Portuguese identit­ the Netherlands." ies were totally mixed and intertwined in all the Burghers he knew (10). In the course of his fieldwork in Batticaloa he The punishment for violating this law was confiscation of discovered that the number of patrilineal Burgher surnames property and according to circumstances "put in chains, of clearly Dutch origin (e.g. Wittebron, Outschoorn, Hendrick, expelled from the country or receive a punishment involving Toussaint, Ockersz) is far greater today than the number of limb or life." The severity of these laws were however directed Portuguese names (e.g. Rosairo, Andrade) (11). In Akkaraipattu not so much against other religions as against Catholicism, almost one third of the Burgher marriages involved a Tamil the reason for this opposition being largely political (7). or Sinhalese partner. In Batticaloa although a much larger A large number of Catholic churches and schools were Burgher marriage pool exists yet there is a constant admixture taken over by the Reformed Church, while in the sphere of of Tamil and Sinhalese blood. Today the Burghers of Batticaloa trade, shopkeeping and other employments Protestants were lay no particular stress upon the Dutch versus Portuguese given proference to others. Abandoned by the Portuguese the elements of their heritage, and the surrounding population descendants of the Portuguese-Sinhalese/Tamil marriages who seems quite indifferent to this distinction. "They are simply remained fervent Roman Catholics were victims of the Dutch Burghers who have reached a viable if at times awkward accom- persecution. At the same time they were despised by the odation with local society" (12). Sinhalese who associated them with the catologue of atrocities of the conquistadores, to whom the service of God and This community, to the present day remains devoutly Roman memmon was inextricably interwoven. Catholic which underlines Dr. S. Arasaratnam's comment; The descendants of the Portuguese-Sinhalese/Tamil marri­ "The Dutch were not replacing a decadent and inactive ages were reduced to a state of penury from the middle of church, as they had replaced a declinining political power. the 17th century, a situation from which the majority of this On the contrary, they saw that the Catholic Church was a community has never completely recovered, up to the present living entity and had penetrated the life of the country day. Until the end of the last century many members of this with great intensity in certain parts of the country" (13). community were concentrated in the larger towns but today mp$t of thetn are resident in Batticaloa. Small settlements Even today many Catholic priests and nuns in Batticaloa of Portuguese Burghers still exist in Trincomalee, Akkraipattu, are Portuguese Burghers. The Vicar General today is the Very Wahacotte, Mannar and (8). They are called Paranklyar Rev. Fr. Norbert Ockersz:- 3BS175' THE JOURNAL OF TII>3 DUTCH BURGHERS UNION 116 m "Rev. Fathers Theophilus Ragel, Joseph de Koning, George prayers are recited in this language. There is a book prepared Wambeek are missionaries deployed in • the various parishes^ by the Union which contains all the necessary prayers, and these There are also many Jesuit priests from among the members prayers are recited at funerals (18). of the community. Rev. Fr. Rex Ockersz, Rev! Fr. Winston Rosairo are shining examples of not only devoted priests of The "chicotis" which formed a special feature in Portuguese God, but also intelligent young men engaged in technical meiry making in Ceylon, contained good examples of the patois. work. In adddition to these priests, there are quite a number They consisted of extemporaneous verses and repartees also in of nuns in the various congregations working both in the verse, something like the harvest songs of Portugal, The dance diocese and outside it. Orders of the Franciscans, the "par excellence" of the Portuguese in Ceylon was the "caffrinha" Apostolic Carmel, Sisters of the Poor have sprinklings of to which the "chicotis" formed a necessary adjunct to the acco­ these members of the community working in convents, schools mpaniment of the bandarinha, viaule, violin and tambourine. and homes for the elders" (14). One of the best known Caffrinhas was a song entitled "Cingalee Nona" where a Mechanic youth pleads with a Sinhalese lady A century after the Portuguese arrived -in Ceylon theii for the hand of her daughter: language was spoken throughout the Island. In 1602 when the Dutch Admiral Joris van Spilbergen visited Ceylon it is recorded that "Cingaiee Nona! Cingalee Nona! King: Wimala Dharma Suriya's Maha Mudaliyar, Emmanuel Dias, En kera kasa, spoke Portuguese "Zeer costerlijk" (very well). Both the King Porta ninkere, orta ninkere, and the Queen as a result of close contact with Europeans also Figa namas da knew the Portuguese -language. The farewell banquet to the Figa namas da, none, Admiral was prepared in the manner of Christians and enlivened Figa namas da." with'music and other :playing. Spilbergen was also dined and wined (on local wine made from Ceylon grapes) and received "Sinhalese lady! Sinhalese lady!, by the Queen and her children in the Queen's private chambers 1 wish to marry, where, dressed for the occasion in European clothing, she conversed Your house I want not, your lands 1 want not in fluent Portuguese with her guest (15). Only your daughter give, Only your daughter give lady, After the capture of Colombo and Jaffna from the Portuguese Only your daughter give." in 1656-8 many of the Dutchmen married the Indo -Portuguese women who stayed (voluntarily or otherwise) in the Island (16). (The tune resembles "Yaman Sello") This helped to perpetuate the Portuguese language both during Couples standing opposite each other dance towards each other Dutch rule and even during the British occupation until the end in rhythmic steps and exchange old fashioned courtesies. Grotesque of the 19th century. A Portuguese patois continued to be spoken attitudes and agile movements mark the lively tunes of the by the Burghers and also by many Sinhalese families during Caffrinha while the slow measures of the chicotis call for stately this period. According to F. H. de Vos at the end : of the last and dignified steps (19). The patois, the music and the dances century there were Portuguese interpreters and Portuguese speaking with modern accretions are still preserved by the Portuguese jurors in the Courts of Justice (17). Today, even though the Burghers in Batticaloa. majority of the Burghers cannot read. or write Portuguese The Batticaloa Burgher Union conducts all its meetings in the spoken An importation of exquisite beauty by the Portuguese was Indo'Portuguese language- Minutes are kept in this language arid their traditional carols which were sung every Christmas by choirs accompanied by violins, cymbals and bass drum. The beautiful If!! 177 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 178 jjg

Portuguese Carol which used to be sung by the Portuguese have been elevated to the higher rungs of the public service. Burghers in Galle until the last Great War was an example: While English remained the medium of instruction many Portuguese Burghers in Batticaloa held white collar jobs, "Louvai nos per Deos This Community* has given to the town some of its best public Este grande dia, servants, teachers/priests, administrators and bank assistants. Ja nasce Senhor The Community has played an active role in local politics. Per Virgem Maria." Mr. F, R. Ragel has been a member of the ■ Urban Council since 1963 and was Deputy Mayor in 1970. Mr. E. T. Barthelot The Portuguese has had a long term was also a member of the Urban Council for a number of impact in many areas. There are over a million Roman Catholics years. in Sri Lanka today. The has absorbed many Portuguese words and many inhabitants of this country still have The plight of the Portuguese Burghers has been aggravated Portuguese names. Galle lace still preserves the delicate designs by the abolition of the English stream in schools as their ■ and techniques introduced by the Portuguese. There is a revival children find it difficult to compete with Sinhalese .and Tamil of interest in the Portuguese jacket trimmed with lace. The children in their mother tongue. . Only a few have advanced hat and waist coat still worn by Kandyan Chiefs on ceremonial to higher education and obtained government jobs. Some drop occasions retain their Portuguese influence. The Portuguese soon out of school early as they.-cannot cope with the work while after their arrival became captives of rice and curry which others are compelled to"'leave school early to help their fathers they enriched with secrets of their own cuisine resulting in in their crafts. Often:' the income of the parent is insufficient such delectable dishes as "pol buth" and "toddy roast." to maintain a family. It, is heartening, however, to realise Delicious sweets made from Portuguese recipes are still made, that in Batticaloa the Portuguese Burghers . have formed a such as Bolo de Coco (coconut cake), Bol Fiad© (laminated cake), Union which caters to their social, religious and educational Boroa (semolina biscuits), Foguete (pumpkin preserve in pastry needs. They are a law abiding community and live in peace rolls) and Pente Frito (plantain fritters). The Portuguese have and harmony with all other communities. also left their influence in the design of churches, residences and furniture. The Dutch connection with Ceylon commenced in 1602 when Admiral Joris van Spilbergen arrived with ' two ships off The smallness of this minority deprives them of any signi­ Batticaloa. to trade in cinnamon and pepper (20). There- were ficant role in politics. Their only hope is to articulate their two other visits by the Dutchmen Sebald de Weerd (1602) and political demands through the mainstream of political parties Marcellus de Boschouwer (1612) but the invasion of Ceylon in this country. As they have no political influence there is started in earnest in 1638 when Admiral Adam Westerwold a tendency to neglect and ignore the welfare of this commu­ arrived with a fleet off Batticaloa and captured the Portuguese nity. They are master craftsmen in their traditionel occupations fort there with the tacit approval of Emperor Raja Sinha 11 of tailoring, shoe making, 5 tinkering, printing and carpentry. who was desperately seeking the friendship of the Dutch as a Many of them are expert blacksmiths, gunsmiths and mechanics counterpoise to the Portuguese. The Portuguese were ousted called ambachtsiieden by the Dutch, mechanics by the British (19). from Trincomalee, Negombo and Galle in 1640. Hegombo was Very few of them have joined the professions, the affluent recaptured by the Portuguese later in 1640, but in 1644 the merchant and landowning classes. Several, however, are emp­ Dutch expelled them from Negombo once again. Kalutara was loyed itt the middle levels of the public service and as captured in 1655. Colombo capitulated to the Dutch in 1656 teachers, A few are Managers of branches of the Bank. Few and with the capture of Jaffna in 1658 Portuguese rule in the II 179 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGER UNION 180 Island ended. By the time ths struggle ended with the expul­ differed little if at all from pure Netherlanders in complexion. sion of the Portuguese the V. O. C. had become the contro­ He admitted that many of these half-caste offsprings at present lling power in the coastal districts, and the Emperor of Kandy were apt to turn out rather badly; but this he ascribed to was eventually deprived of an outlet to the sea. The feelings their lax upbringing in households where slavery was the of the inhabitants in the coastal regions of Ceylon subjected to general rule, and not to inherent racial defect. The remedy Dutch rule after the expulsion of the Portuguese in 1658, were for this state of affairs, he added, lay in the provision of epitomized, as Robert Knox noted, in the Sinhalese proverb good schools and in proper supervision by the parents. concerning a man who makes a bad exchange: "I have given Maetsuyker maintained that with the suitable encouragement pepper and got ginger" (21). by, the--Company's high officials - which, so far had been conspicuosly lacking the free - burghers (vrijburgers) could The attitude of the directors of the Dutch East and West establish themselves as cobblers, tailors, smiths, armourers, Indies Companies vacillated between assimilation and apartheid jewellers, carpenters, masons and surgeons, He even claimed on the question of emigration (22). Originally the chartered that they could compete with the Chinese in agricultural companies were not organized to foster female emigration- pursuits. He further alleged that the Company's senior offi­ There were many who argued that white women seldom became cials. were the. worst enemies of the free - burghers, since they. acclimatized in the tropics. The acute discomforts and risks favoured their Chinese and Asian. competitors on account of of shipboard life on long voyages in treacherous seas was another the. 'squeeze' and bribes which they received from the latter (24). deterrent. On the other hand it was believed that the only hope of founding stable and loyal communities in the colonies was ; Maetsuyker endeavoured to put his colonization theory into to fostejf - intermarriage with the indigenous women, always practice during his governorship of Ceylon (1646-50) but it provided that these latter were converted to Christianity. had a limited*^ success. There were only sixty-eight married However, because of the real or alleged shortcomings and free-burghers in the Island when he relinquished office in inferior quality of the free-burghers who were allowed to settle February 1650. After the capture of Colombo and Jaffna from in the colonies after their contract of service with the V.O.C. the Portuguese in 1656-8, about 200 Dutchmen married some had expired several high officals periodically advocated the of the Indo-Portuguese women who stayed (voluntarily or emigration of married couples or families from the Netherlands, otherwise) in the Island. In the early Reformed Church regis­ as the only means of establishing a reliable settled Dutch ters in Ceylon which go back more than two and a half cen­ community in the East. The Heeren XVTF tried to recruit turies the following names: Cabral, de Costa, de Fonseka, suitable families for emigration to the East, but the response Dias, Pier is, Rodrigo, de Silva, de Silvester, de Zouza etc. was negligible (23). belonging to mixed Portuguese and Sinhalese families occur in these entries of marriage with Dutchmen (25). This is also The Heeren XVII later, for a time, gave active support evident in mauy of the genealogies of Dutch Burgher families to Johan Maetsuyker's modest scheme for Dutch colonization published .HI the. Journal of the Dutch Burgher Union of at Batavia and in Ceylon. Maetsuyker, at an early age of his Ceylon. colonial career, was a professed admirer of the Portuguese system of promoting colonization by encouraging white men The cohquerer of Jaffna, Rijkloff van Goens, who subse­ to marry Asian or Eurasian women and settle down in the quently'governed coastal Ceylon for nipny years, was another East. "The children of these mixed marriages, he averred, enthusiastic advocate of Dutch colonization. In default of were better acclimatized than those born of pure European white wives for the free-burghers, he Was prepared to tolerate parentage, and, after the second or third generation, they intermarriage with Sinhalese, Tamil and Eurasian women. But I 181 THE JOURNAL Of THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 182 gjjgp he stipulated that the daughters of such unions should be principal obligation accompanying burghership was enlistment married to Netherlanders, 'so that our race may degenerate in the reserve militia, or Burger! j, a duty which was eventu­ as little as possible.' However, van Goens' predecessor Governer ally imposed on "all persons whatsoever who are not in the van Kittensteyn was a strong opponent of miscegenation beli­ actual service of the Company but are Christians and also eving as all European colonizers did that a Christian European wear European dress" (31). The category of free-BurgherS was, ipso facto, superior to the members of any other race- became increasingly diverse in the later years of Dutch rule. Christian converts not excepted in practice, whatever they For example, a certificate of Burghership was bestowed in might be in theory (26). 1759 upon a man named Andries de Waas "of the fisher caste who had earnestly applied to be recognised as a Burgher," The word Burgher is derived from the Dutch word burger which application was granted on his paying a fee of 15 rix- which means a citizen of a burgh, borough or town. Article dollars (32). Further evidence of this is found in the effusive 9 of the Articles of Capitulation by the Portuguese to the Address presented to Sir Alexander Johnston by the Dutch Dutch concluded on the 11th of May, 1656, refers to the Inhabitants and Burghers of Colombo" in 1817 to which are Portugesche Burgeren (27). The expression which was first appended a number of conspicuously Portuguese names (33). used in this country by the Dutch referred to a civil status. "There were two different classes of Hollanders in Ceylon For a few years after the Dutch Capitulation to the during Dutch times. One was the Dutch Company's servants British in 1796 some. of the official lists and documents who were like Government officials today, and served under referred to "Dutch inhabitants and Burghers," for instance, the Company and received their salary from the V. O. C. Article 15 of the Articles of Capitulation of 15th February, coffers. Even the Dutch padres at the time were in this cat­ 1796, but this distinction became anomalous as the rule of the egory. The other type was the 'freelancer' who came out on Dutch East Indian Company had ceased and the distinction their own perhaps for private business and trade in Ceylon. gradually disappeared. Most of them had shops and ran such establishments as bakeries, inns, taverns, etc. They were called by the term One of the earliest references to Dutch Burghers in an 'Burghers' or 'Free Burghers' (vrijburger) as distinct from the official document in British times was made by Lord Liverpool, Company's servants who received official acts of appointment Secretary of State, in his instructions, dated 30 September, from the V. O. C. in respect of the posts they held respecti­ 1810, to Governor Maitland directing him to interpret "Eur­ vely" (28). A retired Company Servant if he remained in opeans" in article 30 of the Charter to include "Burghers" Ceylon joined the class of Burghers. The Company's Servants as it was in accordance with "the wish of His Majesty's and the Burghers together formed socially the Hollandsche Natie Government to conciliate by every means the Dutch Burghers or Dutch community (29). (The word "lansi" is derived from in Ceylon" (34). The. expression "Dutch Burgher," therefore, the Dutch word "Hollandsche".) originated in British and not in Dutch times.

Originally, therefore, the term Burgher or Free-Burgher An authoritative definition of the term Burgher, which had nothing to do with race, but had only a civic significa­ was generally accepted by the community, was given by Sir nce being applied to those Dutch citizens (Burghers) who not Richard Ottley, Chief Justice, to the Colebrooke-Cameron being officials, were granted certificates of Burghership entit­ Commission in 1830: - ling them to reside in the towns and to enjoy certain civic rights. Such certificates came later to be issued also to those "The name Burgher belongs to the descendents of the who were not Dutch, e. g. even to liberated slaves (30). The Dutch and Portuguese and other Europeans born in 183 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION t&t »»-. Ceylon; the right to this distinction must be decided by the country from which the father or paternal ancestors Superintendent of Census grouped the Burghers arid Eurasians together for the purpose of Census. This was resented by the came. To whatever the number of generations through Burghers who wished to preserve their Dutch heritage. Eurasi­ which the family had passed in this island, if the male ans were the progeny of British and Ceylonese unions in the ancestor were Dutch, Portuguese, or other Europeans, last century. whoever may have been the female parents, if the parents were married, the offspring would be Burghers. If the Another development at the end of the 19th century which • parents were not married, the country of the mother agitated the upper class Burghers who insisted on their Dutch would decide the question. If the right to be denominated descent was the growing demand for reform of the Legislative Burgher be once lost by the legitimate father being a Council. There was a demand that territorial lepresentation. Cingalese or other Indian, it cannot be recovered" (35). should replace communal representation and that election should be substituted for nomination. Mr. Justice Marshall stated to the Colebrooke-Cameron Commission that where the questions of legitimacy or race arose as with "that heterogeneous mixture called the Portuguese" John Ferguson, the influential owner - editor of The Ceylon whose descendants generally belonged to the lower strata of Observer in his book Ceylon in 1893, advocated an increase in Eurasian society and were a&similated to the "native" population the number of unofficial representatives in the Legislative Cou­ these questions were settled (like the question of residence ncil with some of them to be elected on the basis of a restricted within the jurisdiction of the court) as preliminary questions franchise. He received little support from the public figures of of fact, by oral or other evidence (36). the day. "The Sinhalese are our great difficulty," he compla­ ined. "(S. C.) Obeysekere objects to elections and James Pieris Phrases such as "descendants of Europeans" and "European (as District Judge in embryo) has not replied at all...... They descendants" were sometimes used to describe Burghers. Cole- wotild not trust power to their countrymen "(39). Similarly, brooke in his Report upon the Administration of the Govern­ the upper class Dutch Burgher elite feared that in an election ment of Ceylon, 1831, refers to "the burghers or descendants they would be outvoted by the Portuguese Burghers and leading of Europeans" (37); and the Memorial, dated 1st October 1851, members of the Dutch Burgher community memorialized that by "European descendants" to Governor Anderson, suggesting the franchise for the election of the Burgher member be con­ the name of a prominent Burgher, R. F. Morgan, to a seat fined to themselves, but without success (40). The British had in the Legislative Council was described by Digby as signed never upheld an official distinction between Dutch and Portu- by "members of the Burgher community" (38). In 1871 the guese Burghers and the presence of a Portuguese component British dropped the reference to "European descendants". Sec in the Burgher constituency posed a threat to the Dutch Bur­ tion 3 of the Village Communities Ordinance No. 26 of 1871 gher status quo. According to Arunachaiam (41) an indignant provided that "Natives" shall mean "those resident in the Burgher gentlemen observed that "It was not an uncommon country other than persons commonly known as Europeans, or experience for every nondescript who affects a pair of trousers persons commonly known as Burghers." and cannot by any right be classed under any particular cate­ gory to call himself a 'Burgher' and to take refuge under that very convenient term" (42). The vagueness of the phrase "persons commonly known as Burghers," whether deliberate or not, permitted it to cover not only those who came within the description of Burghers ^ The Dutch Burgher Union was formed in 1908 to counter given by Ottley in 1830 but also all Eurasians-, In 1901 the thfe" trend :and to unite the scattered members of the comnj- unity in maintaining the traditions of their race. The drive iOIII 1SS THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 1*86 f!g| for establishing the Union came mainly from R. G. Anthonisz The Ceylon Morning Leader owned exclusively by a group a teacher who later was appointed the first Government Arc­ of Sinhalese Merchants and ably edited by Armand de Souza, hivist as he was an expert in mediaeval Dutch. published some witty limericks provoked by Sir Hector's speech, under the pseudonym "L CD. Funnyside". It was Earlier in May 1899 R. G. Anthonisz and a few Burghers generally believed that the author of the limericks was none formed a literary and cultural society called Het Hollandsch other than Armand de Souza himself. Gexelschap van Ceylon - The Dutch Fellowship of Ceylon, ''The chief of the People's paper but it lasted only a few years. Has recently cut a caper One of the main objects of the Dutch Burgher Union was Says he "I ve a touch to see the Dutch descendants of Ceylon recognized a a distinct Of blood that is Dutch racial unit, with an origin, history and character of its own. My 'native' is turned into vapour." It was felt that the term Burgher, under which they were included, and which at first belonged to them exclusively* 'I'm neither a Sinhalese had ceased in common use to have this restricted application. Nor even a Goiya-nese Membership in the Union is open to all Dutch descendants The native Press "of full age and respectable standing." The term "Dutch Is the ''Leader," I guess- descendants" under Article 3 of the Constitution of the Dutch We are nothing but Dutch, if you please (43). Burgher Union "shall include the descendants in the male line The Ceylon Morning Leader cautioned the Union against of all those of European nationality who were in the service isolationism and in an article entitled Anti Dutch Burgher or under the rule of the in Ceylon Association, published on the 14th January 1908, stated "if and the children of such descendants in the female line by Lorenz were living he would not be eligible as a member of marriage with Europeans." The primary object of the Union is the Union, for he is not Dutch; neither would Dornhorst, if "to piomote the moral, intellectual, and social well-being of he were here, neither are the Greniers, Sevens, Schneiders - the Dutch descendants in Ceylon" (Art. 2). and the many families whose names have always been the The movement to form the Dutch Burgher Union met with most honoured in the Burgher ranks". The promotors of the considerable opposition at the outset not only from sections Dutch Burgher Union were obviously troubled by this difficulty of the Burgher Community but also from the Press and mem­ and so they extended membership in the Union to include not bers of other communities. An inaugural meeting was held on only those of Dutch descent but also to "descendants in the male the 12th December 1907 at Lindsay Memorial Hall, Bambalapi- line of all those of European nationality who were in the tiya to discuss the formation of a Burgher Association. It was service or under the rule of the Dutch East India Company in presided over by Sir Hector van Cuylenburg, M. L. C, who was Ceylon, and the children of such descendants in the female the owner and proprietor of The Ceylon Independent, which line by marriage with Europeans" (Art. 3). was regarded as a Burgher newspaper although it was called the Peoples Paper. Although the promoters of the meeting claimed The Legislative Council was reformed by the Legislative that the formation of the Burgher Associaton was non-political Council Ordinance No. 13 of 1910. The right to elect mem­ Sir Hector in the course of his speech criticised the Govern­ bers was conceded to the Europeans, the Burghers and- the ment for its iniquitous salary scheme. Educated Ceylonese. The new Legislative Council of eleven on the following day took him to task for introducing political officials and ten unofficial came into existence in 1912. The questions at this inaugural meeting. Legislative Council Ordinance No. 13 of 1910, section SSBiini THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGER UNION 188

3 (a) in effect adopted the definition of the terra "B\irgher" officers of the Dutch Government would be left in full and in Article 3 of the Constitution of the Dutch Burgher Union of free possesion of their employment until His Majesty's pleasure Ceylon as persons qualified to be "registered as voters to elect shall be known." Many of those assurances were not honoured(48). a member from the Burgher electorate." Section 3 (b) however widened the class to include those who "Are of legitimate birth, One of the earliest unpopular measures was the introduction and are descended in the female line from any such descendant of a tax on coconut trees of "one Silver" faham" per tree per as aforesaid, and are able to read, write and speak the English annum by Robert Andrews, who had been appointed by the language." This definition was repeated in the Ceylon (Legislative Madras Government as Resident and Superintendent of Revenue Council) Order in Council 1920 clause 28 and in the Ceylon in Ceylon. The tax was both unjust and impolitic as the value (Legislative Council) Order in Council 1923 article 31. of the trees varied greatly according to their situation arid the tax was sometimes greater than the produce. The local inha­ On the whole the reforms helped to perpetuate the divisions bitants including the Dutch Community were adversely affected in society. Though the Educated Ceylonese electorate biought by this tax which caused a great deal of unrest. A memorial together the English educated classes among the Sinhalese, Tamils was presented by the last Dutch Governer Johan Gerard, van and Muslims, the grant of separate electorates to the Europeans Angelbeek and other Dutch residents to the Government at and Burghers had the unfortunate result of encouraging those Madras and the Tax was accordingly abolished by resolution of communities to consider themselves as separate entities rather the Commitee on the 2nd of September, 1797 (49). than as citizens of Ceylon (44). President R. G. Anthonisz'tenth anniversary address to the members to the Dutch Burgher Union A report sent by the first British Governor Lord North, warned them about various forces that threatened the community in 1800, to Lord Dundas, Secretary of State, stated that; and not the. least by some modern advocates of the 'fusion of "the Dutch inhabitants are inimical, being almost to a man races' (45). At a Special General Meeting of the p. B. U. held ruined by our occupation §i Ceylon" and that on the 18th August, 1939, Article 6(b) of the Constitution was amended by a majority vote. In future any Dutch Burgher "their personal as well as the national connection between them woman member who married a man unqualified for membership and the mother country and the remaining Dutch settlements.., of the D. B. U. ceased to be a member (46). This rule wan require their exculsion from Government employments" so as rescinded at a Special General Meeting of the D. B. U. held on the 20th November 1981. Over th^ years, however, the '•to render us independent of the Dutch and to destroy their D B. U. has been ;"pereniaUy troubled by charges of elitism influence in the country" (50). from the outside and of cliquism from within" (47). Many of the Dutch inhabitants emigrated to Batavia after The history of the Burghers since the Dutch capitulation the Capitulation in 1796, their passages in cartel ships being to the British in 1796 has been like the swing of the pendulum paid for by the British until 1806. However, the majority of one of growth and decline. Under the Articles of Capitulation the Dutch inhabitants remained in Ceylon in the hope that in 1796 the British undertook to respect the laws and customs in the final settlement after the war the Island would be restored of the country and, held out that no fresh taxes and duties to the Dutch. But when the settlement took place in 1815 would be imposed provided proper provision \yas made for the such an expectation was not realised. Many were also forced defraying of expenses of internal government.; > Trade would be to remain because they could not sell their landed property free and the inhabitants would be permitted to trade with the for suitable prices, the range of possible buyers being limited British territories on a most favoured - nation footing. ^'The owing to; am 1K9 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 190 "His Majesty's command prohibiting the purchase of houses and tenements by Europeans without the four gravels of At about the same time (1803) Captain Robert Percival published an uncomplimentary description of the Burghers: Colombo," such prohibition having been found "The chief trait of the original Dutch character, which "very prejudicial to the servants of the late Dutch Gover­ these (Burghers) in Ceylon retain, is their fondness for gin and tobacco; in other respects they adopt the customs and nment who have houses in Jaffnapatnam, Trincomalee and listless habits of the country" (54). Gal le which cannot be sold to natives without great loss many families are compelled to remain in Ceylon It took the Dutch inhabitants who were unable to leave for the fear of losing a considerable part of their proper­ for Holland or Batavia a decade or two to adjust to British ty by removal" (51). rule. Some were induced to accept employment under the Many such families had to depend on poor relief provided Biitish. A few of the former "Company's servants" were by the British and had to take to minor trades and avocations appointed to magistracies, others were employed in the revenue to supplement their income. The human aspect of the problem service, a few received commissions in the local military touched the Secretary of State, who observed that, then formed. Several took up commercial pursuits, and hot a few retired into private life on the small income "the circumstances of the Dutch and other inhabitants left to them. A few rose to high office, For instance, Gualterus considered as Europeans. make it requisite to act Schneider, who was a subaltern in the Dutch Engineers, became in a manner consistent with both the principles of justice Surveyor - General of Ceylon; Johan Gerard Krickenbeek and and humanity and with those of sound policy and of Cornelis Arnoldus Prins, boekhoudars (accountants) in the Dutch security to our dominions in the Island" (52). Company's service, acted at different times in the office of the King's Advocate Fiscal, which , corresponds to the Attorney Rev. James Cordiner who was in Ceylon at this time made the observation that, General today- Jacob Nicolaas Mooyart entered the Civil Service and retired as Acting Auditor - General. J. G. Hillebrand be­ "The Dutch inhabitants of Ceylon are about nine hundred came a Judge of the Supreme Court (55). in number, and, except a few families, are reduced to circumstances of great indigence: but by rigid and meritori­ ■ The British Government did not take an active interest ous economy and some of the lesser labours of industry, in education until after the Colebrooke-Cameron reforms in they maintain an appearance in the eyes of the world, the 1830s. Education prior to that was in the hands of sometimes affluent and gay, always decent and respectable. Missionary schools which imparted a smattering of education to local youth sufficient for qualifying as clerks. As a result They are chiefly composed of officers (prisoners of war) the Clerical Service was almost exclusively manned for several with their families and widows and daughters of deceased decades by Dutch Burghers, who in posts of trust and respo­ civil and military servants of the Dutch East India Company. nsibility, as secretaries of the principal courts, as head clerks The greater part of them are proprietors of houses, which of revenue departments, land surveyors, customs officers and they let with considerable advantage to the English inha­ school masters diligently performed their duties. bitants. If a poor family should only possess one good house they retire into a smaller house or less convenient one, which they receive by relinquishing a more comfortable It was only in 1834 that higher education was taken in dwelling" (35). hand by the Government and the Governer Sir Robert Horton founded the Colombo Academy at San Sebastian under the 191 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHEH UNION 192 J! Principalship of Rev. Joseph Marsh in 1835 with twenty pupils. Lorenz' literary talent manifested itself early in life. He It was formally opened by Horton on the 25th October, 1836. was one of the promoters of Young Ceylon (1850-1852), then Rev. Dr. Barcroft Boake succeeded Marsh and remained Prin­ the leading literary journal in Ceylon, completely managed by cipal of the Academy from 1842-69. Under Boake's regime Ceylonese, with Frederick Nell as Editor. Jt was the first the scope and usefulness of the institution was considerably publication to agitate for social reforms for the people of improved. The subjects taught followed the pattern of education Ceylon. According to E. W. Perera the word "Ceylonese" was in England at this time with emphasis on the classics, math­ coined by Lorenz and became a favourite expression of his. ematics and General English literature. Distinguished names Later when he became Editor of the first Ceylonese News­ associated with the early days of the Academy were R. F. Morgan, paper The Ceylon Examiner (1859-1871) it became the policy James Stewart, James d'Alwis, Edward Frederick Kelaart, of this paper to refer to the people of this country as "Ceylonese" Frederick Nell, Charles Ambrose Lorenz, John Boyle Siebel, and not as Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim or Burgher. Until his J. H. Eaton, Edwin Koch, Pietor Daniel Anthonisz, James Loos, death in 1871 Lorenz wielded the powerful influence of his, J. L. K. van Dort and many others. In the 1840s the Academy pen in support of social reforms for and in was a kind of microcosm of the larger social world of Ceylon opposition to injustice. a decade or two later with Lorenz at the centre of every­ thing. The impetus which the new higher education gave the Lorenz was enrolled as a Proctor in 1849 and later became Dutch Burghers who mastered English quicker than the other an advocate. In 1855 he was enrolled as a. Barrister - at-Law communities is echoed in the words of Sir Emerson Tennent, of Lincoln's Inn. Lorenz was a scholar who translated Van Colonial Secretary, who said in 1860 of the Dutch Burghers: der Keesel's Theses Selectae juris Hoilandici et Zelatndici being a commentary on the Dictate ad Grotii Introductionem "They have risen to eminence at the Bar, and occupied He published this work in 1855, In 1856 he translated Van the highest positions on the Bench. They are largely engaged der Linden's Treatise on Namptissement. Then came his va­ in mercantile pursuits, and as writers and clerks they fill luable series of Law Reports, which caused him to be called places of trust in every administrative establishment, from the "Father of Ceylon Law Reporting". His first Law Reports the Department of the Colonial Secretary to the humblest covered the period 1856 to 1859. He continued to edit these Police Court. It is not possible to speak too highly of the reports until 1870, shortly before his death. In 1860 he pub­ services of this meritorious body of men. by whom the lished his Notes on Civil Practice under the Roman Dutch whole machinery of Government is put into action. They Law. While living at "Gatherum," Maradana, in the late 1850s may fairly be described in the language of Sir Robert Peel he held weekly classes for the study of Voet. In the course as the 'brazen wheels' of the executive which keep the of time he became leader of the unofficial Bar and was known golden hands in motion" (56). as the "Morning of Hulftsdorp.''

Charles Ambrose Lorenz was a charismatic figure who made Lorenz was nominated Burgher Member of the Legislative an enormous contribution to the political, social and cultural Council after the incumbent, Richard Morgan, was appointed progress of this country in the last century. Born at Matara District Judge o( Colombo in July 1856. He pursued this add­ on the 8th July, 1829, he was the youngest of nine children of itional public and political role with both zest and distinction Johann Freideiich Lorenz (a German) and Anna Petronella until the famous "walk-out" of the Unofficai Members in Smith (a Burgher). He joined the Academy in 1842 (at the age 1864. of 13) and had a brilliant career at school and in 1846 he shared the coveied Tumour Prize with Frederick Nell. George Wall (an Englishman), James Alwis (scholar, lawyer and Councillor) and Lorenz were among those who stood 193 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURCHER UNION 194|ii shoulder to shoulder in the years 1864-68 in opposition to the Impe­ Some of the eminent doctors of the last century were rial Goverment's unilateral decision to have the whole of the mili­ Dr. James Loos, M. D. (St. Andrews), M. R. C. P. (Edin) who tary expenses within the island - expenses which were in fact part was a pioneer of medical education in Ceylon and the first of the imperial order in the - foisted upon the Principal of the Medical College established in 1870 by the local government. This struggle resulted in the memorable Government. He edited the Medical section of the "Ceylon walkout of all the unofficials in, the Legislative Council on Miscellany". He was succeeded as Principal in 1875 by Dr. the 15th of November 1964. Writing later James Alwis had E. L. Koch, M. D., F. C. S. L., C. M. (Aberdeen), who was the this to say about those years: leading surgeon at the time. The Memorial Clock Tower in the Medical College grounds commemorates Dr. Koch who died "It was always a pleasure to me, nay, a privilege in Colombo in December 1877 at the early age of forty years. . to have been associated with the Burgher Leaders. Dr. J. L. Vanderstraaten M. D. (St. And.) M. R. C. P. (Lon.) They never failed their Sinhala and Tamil country­ L. S. A. (Lon.) L. R. C. S., L. M. (Edin); Fellow of the Chemical, men with whom they made common cause, in fighting Medical and Obstetric Societies, London, succeeded Dr. Koch for and advancing the interests of the country in as Principal of the Medical College in 1877. He edited the all matters. Their public spirit and independence "Ceylon Medico - Chirurgical Journal" 1865-67. Dr. Peter Daniel were unmatched. They showed admirable sense and Anthonisz, C. M. G., M. D., F. R. C. S , (Edin.), M. R. C. S., a feeling of patriotism as they claimed Ceylon as M. R. C. P.. (Lon.), Colonial Surgeon, Ceylon Medical Depart­ their Motherland. This struck me somewhat forcibly"(57). ment; Burgher Member of the Legislative Council, 1886-1895, President of the Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Associ­ In this era, from about the middle of the last century ation in 1887, was another leading surgeon at the time. Ova­ till its "end Burghers dominated the legal and medical profe­ riotomy :was first performed :by him in Ceylon (60;. The clock- ssions, The higher echelons of the Civil Service were reserved tower in the Fprt,. Galle, was erected by public subscription for Britishers until the 1930s. Among the eminent Burgher during his lifetime. The marble tablet at the base of the clock- lawyers besides Lorenz were R; F. Morgan, James Stewart, tower bears, the. inscription:-. Charles Stewart, Frederick Nell, Louis Nell, John Boyle Siebel, J. H. Eaton and C."L. Ferdinands. James Stewart, born on the 24th .March 1821 was appointed Deputy Queen's Advocate in "This tower was erected by Public Subscription to the October 184$. In- December 1849 he was appointed Acting perpetual memory of Peter Daniel Anthonisz (born at GaJle) Queen's Advocate-a post he held until he died at the age of in testimony of his skill and benevolence in relieving 30 on the 18th November 1851 (58). Sir Richard Francis Morgan human suffering." had a .meteoric career. In 1851 he was appointed Burgher The costly clock was the soje gift of Mudaliyar Samson Member of the Legislative Council. In 1855 he became District de Abrew Rajapakse of Kosgoda, a grateful and devoted Judge of. Colombo and in the same year he was appointed patient. puisne justice. In 1863 he became the first Ceylonese to be appointed' Queen's Advocate, a post he held until 1874. In the Dr. E. F. Kelaart, M. D. (Edin), M. R. C. S. (London) latter year he was appointed Acting Chief Justice and was F. L. S., P. G. S. who died in i860 was one of the most knighted shortly afterwards. He was offered the permanent brilliant zoologists in this country with an international repu­ post of Chief Justice by Governor Sir William Gregory but tation. Bis Prodromus Faunae Zeylanicae (1852) is a notable declined the offer on the score of ill health. He died on the contribution to the Zoology of Sri Lanka. Other notable 27th January 1876 at the age of 54 (59). ./ contributions by him were:- Jill! 195 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH.BURGHER UNION Flora Calpensis - on the Botany of Gibraltar Report on the National History of the Pearl Oyster James van Langenberg Snr. (1876) in Ceylon, 1857 Sir Samuel Grenier (1886) Notes on the Geology of Ceylon, 1849-50 Dr. P. D. Anthonisz (1886); List of Mammalia of Ceylon, 1849-50. H. L. Wendt (1895) Catalogue of Ceylon Birds, 1853. F. C. Loos (1900) Synopsis of Ceylon Reptiles, 1855. James van Langenberg Jnt. K, C. (1912) Description of New and Little known Species of Ceylon Francis Beven (1910 acting) Nudibranchiate Molluscs and Zoophytes - 1856 - 58. (61) Dr. W. G. van Dort (1911 acting) Sir Hector van Cuylenberg (1912) J. L. K. Van Dort was one of the most brilliant artists Charles van der Wall (1916) in the last century. His pictures and sketches which appeared Sir Stewart Schneider, K. C. (1917) in Muniandi (The Ceylon Punch) and in the Christmas Supp­ Allan Drieberg K. C. (1921) lements and Illustrated Supplements of The Ceylon Examiner N. J. Martin (1921) and other local Newspapers are not likely to be forgotten. T. F. Garvin (C. C. (1921 acting) He had the rare gift of capturing vivid movement as his sket­ Arthur Alvis (1921) ches of Kandyan dancers, Caffrinha dancers, the Races and H. A. Loos (1924) the Governor's entourage galloping to Galle Face illustrate. He C. E. de Vos (1924) was also a valued contributor to several English illustrated F. H. B. Koch (1924) papers notably the Graphic. His oil panels which presented O. L. de Kretser, Snr. (1924) scenes of Ceylon were exhibited at the Chicago Exhibition and G. A. H. Wille (1924) some of his pictures were also shown at the Great Paris Exhi Dr. V. van Langenberg (1924) bition. Dr. V. R Schokman (1931)

Executive and Legislative Councils were established in 1833 Under the Soulbury Constituion (1946) the Burgher repres­ following the Colebrooke - Cameron Reforms. entatives appointed as Senators were Sir Eric Jansz, L. L. Hunter, F. C. W. van Geyzel, R S. V. Poulier and E.-.C.'T. La Brooy. Governor Sir Robert Wilmot Horton nominated S, G. Hill- ebrand in 1835 as the first Burgher Member of the Legislative Burgher members appointed to the House of Representatives Council. Hillebrand was succeedeed by a long line of Burgher were £. F, N. Gratiaen Q. C , Rosslyn Koch, J. A Martensz, representatives in Council who were either lawyers or doctors:- Dr. V. R. Schokman, Dr. E. C. Brohier, R. S. V. Poulier, T. V. K. Carron and Vernon Jonklaas, Q. C. When The Cons - J. G. Hillebrand (1835) titution of Sri Lanka (1972) abolished the category of appointed J. F. Giffening (1837) members an unbroken line of Burgher representation in the J. J. Staples (1840) Legislative Councils and Parliament since 1835 was severed. James Nicholas Mooyart Mr. P. B. G. (Ceuneman is the only Burgher to be elected at James Stewart (1849 - 51) a General Election to a seat in the House of Representatives R. F.Morgan (1851) r C. A. Lorenz (1856) since the first Parliament wa , established in 1947. He represented J. H. Eaton (1862) Colombo Central from 1947-1977(62). James Martensz (1865) C. L. Ferdinands (1872) In 1865 an ordinance was passed to establish Municipal Councils in the chief towns of Ceylon. The Governor at the 197 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 198 gjjjp

time was Sir Hercules Robinson and it was his object to give Arthur Alvis 1889-90; 1893-1902; 1906-22 the chief citizens of the towns the power and the funds to R. H. Morgan 1890- 1902 improve the sanitation in the towns and to check epidemics- J. S. Collet 1921 -33 Another of Robinson's objects was to afford the citizens of WYE. V. de Rooy 1922-31- the towns a training in exercising a measure of political power- A. H Morgan 1925 - 29 As a result of this ordinance Municipal Councils were established Dr. V. Van Langenberg 1927 - 30 in Colombo and Kandy in 1866 and in Galle in 1867. The Dr. L. A. Prins 1931 - 32 Colombo Council was given 10 elected and 9 nominated mem­ H. H. Bartholomeusz 1931 bers, and the Kandy and Galle Councils 5 elected and 4 nomi­ F. J. Soertsz 1931-1936 nated members each. A Civil Servant was appointed as full-time H. K, de Kretser 1932-36 Chairman of the Colombo Council, while the Government Agents Dr. H. E. Leembruggen 1932 of the Central and Southern Provinces presided over the Kandy Dr. V. R. Schokman 1937 - 40 and Galle Councils as a part of their duties (63). J. R. Toussaint 1940 - 43

Burghers who were elected to the first Council in Colombo Dr. V. R, Schokman was Mayor of the Municipal Council, which had its first meeting on the 16th January, 1866, were:-(64) Colombo, from January 1938 to December 1939, J. H. Eaton was a distinngished member of the Municipal Council of Kandy., and C. A. Lorenz (Cottanchina) 1866- 70 C. E. de Vos a valued member of the Municipal Council. F. C. Loos (Marandahn) 1866-72 Galle. Local self- government made great strides with the Dr. J. W. Van Geyzel (Pettah) 1866 - 70 establishment of Urban Councils and Village Committees. C.L.Ferdinands (Colpetty) 1866-73 Burgher leaders played a significant role in these bodies which were the seedbeds of political development in Ceylon and many Other Burgher members elected to the Municipal Council national leaders obtained their early training thiough them. Colombo, between 1866-1964 were:- A remarkable Burgher born in the last century was Alfred C. A. Krickenbeck 1868--69 Edwaid Buultjens (1865-1916). He had a brilliant career at A. Andree 1869 --73 St. Thomas' College, Mutwal, and won a Ceylon Government W. W. Beling 1870-- 71 Scholarship in 1883 and went to England. He graduated from Dr. James Loos 1870--90 St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1877. In Cambridge his studies Major E. G. Tranchell 1871 --76 for the history tripos included a course in political economy Sir R. F. Morgan 1871 --76 under the renowned economist Professor Alfred Marshall (65). Samuel Grenier 1874 ~-7 8 He became interested in trade unions and visited industrial J. W. Vanderstraaten 1874--79 districts in England. This was an era of severe economic depre­ A. D. Joseph 1874 --79 ssion,unemployment, and political turbulance in England when Sii Hector Van Cuylenburg 1878 -83; militant trade unionism, Socialist ideas and Marxism were 1887 -93 gaining ground (66). Hon. Dr. P. D. Anthonisz 1878 -78 Buultjens renounced Christianity while in Cambridge and G- W. Stork 1880 -81 became a Buddhist in 1888 after his return to Ceylon. The C. W. Ferdinands 1885 -87 authorities of his old school scandalized at his conversion had J. S. Drieberg 1888 -91 his named erased from the school's panel of honour (67). Hit 159 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH; BURGHER UNION 20QUH On his return to Ceylon Buultjens played a vital role in two important movements, the cause of Buddhist education, Anagarika Dharmapala, Walisinha Harischandra and A. E. and the introduction of trade unionism. In 1889, at the age of Buultjens were the leading; figures of the Buddhist revival at the beginning of this century and were the champions of twentyfour, he became the Principal of the Pettah Buddhist working class agitation. Boys School (later Ananda College), and remained in this post for eleven years. From 1890 to 1903^ as the General Manager The teaching profession had many dedicated Burgher teac­ of Buddhist Schools, he helped establish Buddhist Schools hers such has L. E. Blaze', A. E. Buultjens, W. Mack, Cyril in all parts,, of the Island. For several years he edited The Jansz, A. C. Edwards, E. H. van der Wall, J. W. Buultjens, Buddhist a militantly anti-Christian weekly (68) which attacked R. A. Krickenbeck, L. G. Vollenhoven, R. C, Edwards, Noel the missionary objectives of conversion. Phoebus, Cedric Oorloff, B-. R. Blaze' and many others. The Buultjens, like many 19th century radicals, was also inter­ legal profession continued to produce eminent Burgher lawyers ested in women's emancipation. In the 1890s he was active in of the calibre of Frederick Dornhorst K. C, Sir Stewart the Women's Education Society and helped to establish Budd­ Schneider K, C, Sir Thomas Forrest Garvin K. C, A. E. hist girls schools which imparted a modern education (69). Keuneman K. C, E. F. N. Gratiaen K. C. and others. AH these lawyers except Dornhorst were later elevated to the Supreme In addition to his Buddhist work, Buultjens, on his return Couit bench. Others appointed to the Supreme Court since from England began to study the working conditions of labour in 1900 are H. L. Wendt Joseph Grenier, K. C, Al'an Drieberg Colombo. The printers strike in Colombo in 1893 was the outcome K. C.,L. M. Martensz, F. H. B. Koch, O. L. de Kretser Snr., of the propaganda in favour of trade unions that had been carried V, L St. Clair Swan, M. C. Sansoni, O. L. de Kretser Jnr. on by Buultjens and Dr. P. M Lisboa Pinto The main grievances and P. Colin-Thome*. Mr. M. C. Sansoni was appointed Chief of the printers included low pay and bad working and living con­ Justice in 1964. There were four Burgher Attorneys General, ditions. The first revolt of printers took place in September 3893 Sir John Samuel Grenier in 1886, James van Langenberg K. C. when a strike of sixty printers occurred at British - owned in 19J2, E. F N Gratiaen Q. C. in 1956 and Douglas St. H. W. Cave & Co., the largest firm of printers and book­ Clive Budd Jansze, Q. C. in 1959. Heiman Loos, J. R. Weinman sellers in Colombo. At a public meeting held a day after the Waldo Sansoni, S. J. C. Schokman. Henry Wendt, A. E Buultjens strike a trade union of printers was formed with Pinto as and Eric La Brooy have been distinguished District Judges. President and Buultjens as Secretary. Seven of the twelve committee members were Burghers (70) Noel Ernst, Sir Eric Jansz, Eric Christoffelsz, L, L Hunter R. Y. Daniel, R. S. V Poulier, W. J. A. Van Langenberg, A. E Buultjens was one of the most distinguished scholars Douglas Misso, M. L. D. Caspersz, Reggie Arnolda, Neville of his time. Among his many accomplishments he knew medi­ Jansz* Ellis Grenier, C. Ludekens, Donald Speldewinde, Raine aeval Dutch and Paji. He translated extracts from Francois Wright, Anton McHeyzer, Ivor Ferdinands, David Loos and others Valentijn's The Description of Ceylon, (71) and Admiral Joris reached the. higher echelons of the Civil Service. The medical van Spilbergen's The Dutch in Ceylon (72). He contributed profession was enriched by the services of Dr. Andreas Nell, several learned articles to the Orientalist and the Journal of M. R. C. S. who was not only a skilled eye surgeon but also the Royal Asiatic Society (Colombo Branch) including The Dutch East India Company and the Peace of Amiens (73) He also one of the most learned antiquarians and historians of this country. Dr. Lucian de Zilva M. D.T an eminent gynaecologist edited Extracts from the Wellesley Manuscripts (74) and : translated portions of the Buddhist classic Visuddhi Magga was a scholar and. litterateur.. Dr. R. L. Spittel, F._ R. C S. from Pali. was a brilliant surgeon and author of several classics on the Ceylon jungles. Dr. Garvin Mack M. D. (Lond.) and Dr John 201' THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGER UNION 202,0] Blaze' M. D. (Lond.) were Senior Physicians at the General (Allen and Unwin, 1956) Understanding Shakespeare (Cambridge Hospital, Dr. Noel Spittel, F. R. C. S., Dr. Noel Bartholomews* Univ. Press 1962), The Story of Ceylon (Faber, 1962), and The F. R. C. S . Dr. Drogo Austin, F. R. C. S., Dr. Clifford Modern History of Ceylon (Weidenfeld and Nicolson/ 1966), Misso, F. R. C. S. Aubrey Jansz, F. R. C. S.,

Religions at -Maryknoll Graduate School, has won the Toynbee the Dutch to the history and culture of Ceylon by their trans- , Prize for his book Rebuilding the Temple: Tradition and Change lations of some of the unique complete .record of transactions. in Modem Asia. He is also author of Traditional Faiths and connected with the Dutch administration of their territories in Asian Development, The Decline of Democracy (1978), China after this Island from 1640 to the end of the £8th century, consis­ Mao : Death of a Revolution (1979) and Secret of Karl Marx : ting of over 7000 manuscript volumes and files. History, Philosophy and Marxism. He is President of The World Association of Buddhists. Burghers have also played their part in the free Press of Ceylon, Reference has already been made to The Ctylon Some expatriates of the second generation who have dis-^ Examiner (1859-1900) and the part played by Lorenz, Louis tinguished themselves are Professor Brian Van Arkadie and Nell, Leopold Ludovici, Francis Seven and J. T. Blaze" who at Dr; Howard Nicholas who are economists■, attached to the various times were Editors of The Ceylon Examiner. The Institute of Social Studies, The Hague. Noeleen Heyzer works Ceylon Examiner exemplified the British dislike of autocratic in the Asian Pacific Development Division in the. United and bureaucratic methods of interference with the conduct of Nations and is presently posted in Malaysia.. Mavis Schareng- the Press. A hired or inspired press runs counter to national instincts. The Ceylon Independent was started on the 4th of uivel teaches Political Science at the University of Malaysia. July 1888 by Hector Van Cuyleriberg and William Maitiand. In the field of Art, Music and drama Burgheis have made tt was the first penny newspaper to be published in Ceylon their contribution. George Keyt of international fame, George and was an immediate success. It flourished until about 1937. Hilaire Jansz (1930s) and Jan Modder (1950s) became Editors Claesson, Geoffery Beling, Christie Beling, George and Terry of the Observer. Donovan Moldrich (1970) was for a time de Neise, Aubrey Collette, Jan Cooke, Barbara Sansoni have Editor of the Sunday Times. This is only a condensed list of enriched the world of painting. Lionel Wendt, Elmer de Haan, Burgher achievement. The prowess of Burghers on the field Irene Sansoni, Denzil Ludowyk, Douglas Ferdinand, Lois Mack, of sport over the years is common knowledge. Eileen Prins and Jean White were gifted musicians. Prof. E. F. C. Ludowyk has made an impact on the theatre in Sri Burghers who have made a mark in different fields include Lanka-which is incalculable. Arthur van Langenberg, Herbert Dr. A. W. R. Joachim, Director of Agriculture; H. K. de Kretser, Keuneman and Denis Bartholomeusz were creative and gifted Director of Public works: Cyril Holmes, Conservator of Fore­ producers of plays. Bonnie Beling, Erica Labrooy, Johan Leem- sts; Cecil Speldewinde, Commissioner of Income Tax; A, L. bruggen, Ellis Grenier, Jan Modder, Henry Ernst, Merle and Loos, Commissioner of Excise; Major Aubrey Weinman Director Rosemary van Langenberg, Rene Caldera and Michelle Leem- Zoological Gardens; M. L. D. Caspersz, Principal Collector of bruggen have given memorable performances on ihe stage. Customs, C. J. E. Anthonisz, General Manager, Bank of Ceylon; Brig. General B. R. Heyn was Army Commander and captained Dr. R. L. Brohier, an antiquarian and scholar, is best Sri Lanka at cricket; Rear Admiral Victor Hunter was Comm­ known for his magnum opus on The Ancient Irrigation , Works ander of the Navy. Several Burghers have held the rank of in Ceylon. He has also contributed numerous learned articles Deputy Inspector General of Police, namely, Durand Aitendorff, in the Journals of the D. B. U. and the Journals of the Royal W. Ludovici, Willem Leembruggen, David Pate, Cecil Wambeek, Asiatic Society, and written books on folk lore in Sri Lanka I. D. M. Van Twest, T. H; Kehiart, C. R. Arhdt and J. A. L. and the Dutch connection. The contribution to scholarship and Rosemaleeocq. historical research by the Government Archivists R. G. Antho- nisz, E. Reimers, J. H. O. Paulusz and S. A. W. Mottau is well Towards the end of the last century Ihe spread of higher known. They have done much to reveal the contribution of education and the gradual growth and rise of national aspir- 1! 205 THE JOURNAL Of THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 206 g| ations in the other, communities lessened the influence which he was ..one . of the . leaders of the opposition to the. Imperial,.. this small middle class community had. in official circles, Governments' unilateral decision to have the ,whole of the, but the Burghers continued to maintain their identity and. to military expenditure foisted on the local governmenl>which led fill a not unimportant place" in the Island in. the first half to the "walk-out" of the Unofficial Members in 1864. at this century. Academe, the professions, the public service, the mercantile sector and journalism, continued to attract the A. E. Buultjens, Prof, E. F. C. Ludowyk, Dr. Ian. Vanden- Burgher's.' A few took to planting and to private, business. A Driesen and others also fall, into the category of dissenters., large' number of Burghers continued to be employed in the A.-E, Buultjens; who scandalized his old school by becoming a clerical service,, the police, customs, railway, excise arid the convert to Buddhism played a vital role, in the- cause of armed forces: Many Burgjier women joined the teaching and Buddhist education in. the Buddhist revival at the turn of. this nursing professions. Some took to dress making and others century,, He also., played a prominent role in forming .the first became, stenographers and typists. A few became doctors, e.g. trade union in this country. . ■ ; ; . ; -_- Dr. "Winifred Nell, L. M. S, (1889) D*1. Miss A. de Boer/L. R. Pieter Keuneman, M. A. (Cantab) was the son of A. E. C.P. &S. (Edin. & Glas.) 1899,Dr. Miss E. Davidson, ,(81) Keuneman, K C a former Puisne Justice. He',had a disting--' Dr. Miss Schokman, L. M. S.. Dr. Sylvin Ethel Ebert, L. M.' uished career at Royal College and read English at Cambridge S. (Ceylon), L. R.C: P. &S. (Edin:),L. R. F. P. & S.fGlas.) in the mid thirties. He joined the Communist Party jri England Dr. Claribel Francis van Dort, L. M. S., L. R. C. P. & S, and he became President of the Cambridge' Union. Society." (Edin.) Dr. Dolly Hay, L M. S. Dr. Norah Joseph, L.' M/ : On his return to Ceylon he soon became ah able journalist S., Dr. Yvette Brohier, M. B. B. S., Dr. Cdrihne Jackson, and was appointed Secretary of the Communist Party' of M. B. B. S., 'and Dr. Algine ,Sa,nsoni ,lvi- &■ B. S, Ceylon. He is. the. only Burgher, to be elected, a ivlember of Burgher woman in the last century Vet the style for emancipat­ Parliament. Today he is President of the CommunistParty of. ion by being the first to take to education and employment Sri Lanka and is. also Editor of the fortnightly. ''Forward''., and to the medical profession. Eminent Sri Lankans whose He has dedicated his, life to the, service of the working class. mothers were Burghers are Tissa Devendra, Bradman Weerajcoon, Dr. Christopher Pinto and,many others. Prof E. F. C. Ludowyk' was an active supporter of ;the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (Trotskyite). Dr. Ian 'Vana'eh Driesen was There have been some notable Burgher dissenters^ Charles a Lecturer in Economics at the Peradehiya University. Both Ambrose Lorenz in his early twenties was one of the promoters Ludowyk and Vanden Driesen had strong "socialist sympathies' of Young Ceylon (1850 1852) which was the first publication and their lectures and writings" did much to'arouse sympathy for in Ceylon to agitate for social reform. He continued this agi­ the weak and downtrodden. ; tation while serving as a journalist in The Observer during the troublous period of the so-called "Rebellion" in 1848. : Certain trends'-' in the 1950s"and 1960s spread a sense of insecu­ Lorenz identified himself with the opposition and rendered rity in the Burgher Community and theydecided in large, numbers eminent service in representing the unconstitutional proceedings to emigrate to ,The r rise of CQ-rnmitnalism and the of the Government and in securing an inquiry into them growth of attitudes hostile to Christianity and, Western .modes and, into affairs generally of the Island, by the Imperial Gov­ of life '"id thought, created conditions which the Burghers ernment (82). As Editor of The Ceylon Examiner (1859 - 1871) felt were inimica.l to the welfare of their children. ' The,feeling he wielded the powerful influence of his pen in support of of uneasiness came to : a head when the Sinhala Only Gill social reforms for the Ceylonese and in opposition to injusti­ was passed -in'1956v(83). ,„Thi& bill created, a major crisjs. in ce.. As Burgher member of the Legislative Council (1856-4864) the country affecting all. the minorities', especially the Burghers MM 207 THE JOURNAL Of THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 208

Who had adopted Bnglish as their mother 4ongue for nearly one On the 29th September, 1956 discussions were started at hundred and fifty years. Milagiriya School Hall between the p. B. U., the Burgher Association, the Burgher Education Fund and the Burgher There has ibeen a significant decline in the fortunes of the Recreation Club to create an umbrella organization for all Burghers since the passing of the Sinhala Only Bill. Burgher Burghers in the country J. R. V. Ferdinands was one of the youth have not as yet adjusted to the drastic change of being main conveners. The result of this meeting on the.23rd Feb­ educated in the Stohala stream in schools. It was easy for the ruary 1957 was the formation of a Burgher Welfare Organiz­ Burghers in the last century «o adjust from Dutch ;(am Anglo- ation (85) In 1966 the question was publicly debated in the Germanic language) to English. Both languages had common D B. U. of loosening the rigid genealogical requirements in the roots and to a large extent :a common vocabulary. Today, as light of changed conditions (86). There is a growing sympathy yet Burgher children find it difficult to compete with .Sinhalese for this move. Today the D. B. U. and the Burgher Associ­ and Tamils in their mother tongues. This will take time. Today ation have co-ordinated their social welfare work for the bene­ one rarely sees a Burgher name in lists of successful candida­ fit of the mounting indigent members of the community, with­ tes in examinations conducted by the Universities, ^Medical out being hampered any more by ponderous genealogies. This College and the Law College. The condition of the majority is the main function of those two associations today Hard of Burghers today is one of hardship and poverty similar to times have withered away the upper class elitist notions of their condition at the beginning of the last century under the the D. B. U. and relations between Burghers of all kinds have British. They are a small community and today they have no become friendlier. In 1984 the number of full members of the political organisation of their own. D. B. U. was 170. In 1985 it was 203. In 1906 it was 268. At no time has it exceeded 500. At the turn of this century, however, when it became evident that ethnic representation in the Legislative Council The Burghers reserved ethnic electorate was dissolved by the would soon become a matter of democratic choice with offici­ establishment of universal adult franchise in the Donoughmore ally demarcated communal electorates a section of the Butch Reforms of 1931. The Burghers were granted special nomina­ Burgher community memorialized the Government to restrict ted representation in the parliament of newly indepen dent the Burgher electorate to themselves. This was rejected by the Ceylon, but they quickly felt their vulnerability as neo-Europ- British. This was the first serious attempt at forming a eans out of sympathy with local culture and institutions and political organisation by the Dutch Burghers who sensed that as supporters of vested interests in an era of Sri Lankan nati­ their political and economic privileges would be steadily eroded onalism. by democratic reforms. The number of Burghers grouped with Eurasians by the Another attempt to form a Burgher Political Association Department of Census and Statistics has always been small was made on the 25th Febiuary 1938 (84). An inaugural meeting (0.7 per cent of the population in 1901; 0. 6 per cent in 1946). was held at the Chamber of Commerce Hall. Dr. V. R. Schok- In 1971 the members became miniscuIe-45,000 or 0. 35 per cent. man presided and speechers were made by members of the In 1981 numbers had reduced to 38,000 or 0. 26 per cent of D. B. U, and other Burgher Associations, namely, Dr. Andreas the population. The causes of this fall in numbers can be Nell, Rev. O. J. C. Beven, A. L. de Witt, Col. A.C.B. Jonk- attributed mainly to emigration to Australia and to assimilation rlaas, and Dr., R. L. Spittel. Nothing tangible resulted from this with other communities which has increased in the last two or three decades. initial attempt. DUTCH BURGHER UNION 210 jjjjjjjjjf H|g im JOURNAL OF THE communities have been harmonious. The indvidual Burgher is The paucity of numbers has prevented the Burghers from a law abiding, peaceful citizen. What Digby said of Sir Richard organising into an effective political force. The only way they Morgan (87) may be said of the community as a whole: can articulate their political demands and air their grievances is through the mainstream of established political parties. The '*a binder together of diverse races, having only way the Burghers can get back into the raainstrem of life the blood of both the 'stranger within the in Sri Lanka is by mastering Sinhala, while at the same time gates' and the 'son of the soil' in his veins, retaining a mastery of English, and able to 'put himself in the place' of each- After the British took over from the Dutch is 1796 there that essential requisite of a peacemaker". was a great deal of bitterness among the Burghers who lost their political and economic privileges. The recollection of their past spurred them to become a self respecting and influential force in society again : a position they achived in the last century by their discipline, integrity and hard work. The institution that played a prominent role in moulding the values of the community and in providing the fraiftework of cohesiveness for the community was the Presbyterian Church. The Missionary schools and the Colombo Academy also played an important role in shaping the character of the Burghers. English liter­ ature and the Classics were a powerful moral and refining influence. Many of the teachers who came from abroad were outstanding men both in learning and in the lives they lived. They made an indelible impact on Burgher youth by their learning and example.

The Burghers as a middle class community were mainly concentrated in the towns. In the last century many lived in Matara, Galle, Colombo, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Kandy and Negombo. Today, most of them live in Colombo and its environs. They have always been oriented to Western culture and English is their mother tongue. In religion they are mainly Presbyterian. Some have joined other Christian denominations. A few have become Buddhists and Hindus.

The Burgher community had over the years integrated its ethnic identity with a larger Sri Lankan national identity even though there has been an attempt by a few misguided persons to outcast them. There are common cultural interests binding all communities in the Island and a common desire for the %eraeral welfare and destiny of Sri Lanka. Relations with other DUTCH BURGHER UNION 211

SOURCES AND NOTES

1. Joao Ribeiro, Ceilao, Ch. 3, 5, translation by P. E. Pieris, 1909. 2. G. D Winius, The Fatal History of Portuguese Ceylon (Harvard Univ. Press x.) 3. Abbe Reynel, Histoire Philosophique et Politique des Establissements des Europeans dansiess deux Indes (Amsterdam 1770) See also Douglas Papers, No 3. para; 75—93, edited by Fr. S. G, Perera S. J, Ceylon Literary Register (1913), Vol. 1, 118.

4. Queiroz, Conquest of Ceylon, translated by Fr. S. G. Perera, S. J. Vol. 1. IX.

5. Fr. V. Perniola, S. J., The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka The Dutch Period, Vol. \\, 1658 to 1711 at 5, 6. (Tissara Prakasakayo Ltd, 1983).

* 6. C. R. de Silva, The Portuguese in Ceylon 1617 - 1638, (1972) 156. See also Tikiri Abeysinghe, The Portuguese Rule in Ceylon 1594 - 1612. (1966) 69.

.7. Phillipus Baldaeus, Ceylon, translation by Pieter Brohier; Introduction by S. D. Sapramadu, Ceylon Historical Journal, Vol. VIII, 1958 - 9, XIII.

8. R. L. Brohier, "The Ceylon Kaffir - Their Kafferinhoe and Chikothi", in Discovering Ceylon (Lake House 1973) Ch. 5; See also Edmund Peiris, An Interesting Ethni al Group from Mannar. Ceylon Historical Journa 3: 1 (1953) 13 - 17-

9. Stated by Mr. F R. Ragel at a Workshop on The Cultural Minorities of Sri Lanka, organised by the International Centre for Ethnic Studies at the Marga Institute, Colombo, 13, October, 1984, 212 THE JOURNAL Of THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 213

10. Dennis B. McGilvray, Univ, of Colorado, Boulder, 22. C- R. Boxer op. cit. ch. 8, Assimilation and Apartheid Dutch Burghers and Portuguese Mechanics: Eurasian 215 - 240. Ethnicity in Sri Lanka. Cambridge Univ. Press, U K- 1982, 235 ~ 263, at 237. 23. Op, cit. p, 218. The Heeran XVII were the 17 Directors of the V. O. C. - Vereenigde Oost - Indische Compagnie 11. Op cit. 256. (United East - India Company). 12. Op cit, 263. 24. Op. cit. 221, See also G. V. Grenier, Early Colonisation 13. S. Arasaratnam, Dutch Power in Ceylon 1658 - 1687 and later Development, J. D. B. U. Vol. L, Jan- April (Amsterdam, Djambatan, 1958) 217. 1960, Nos. I -2, 103 - 108.

14. F. R. Ragel, The Portuguese Burghers of Batticaloa; 25. R. G. Anthonisz, The Burghers of Ceylon, J. D. B. U. Paper presented at Workshop (See note 9) 7. VoI-XVII July 1927, No. 1, 1 at p. 7. See also G. V. Grenier, Burgher Etymology, J. D, B. U. Vol. LVI. 15. Vesak Nanayakkara, A Return to Kandy, (Colombo, Jan. Dec. 1966 Nos. 1-4, 25 at 28. See also F. H. de 1971) 61. Vos. Dutch Colonisation of the East, J. D. B. U. Vol 12, 1920, Nos 1-4, 2. 16 C. R. Boxer, The Dutch Seaborne Empire 1600-1800 (Hutchinson, London, 1965) 221. See also F. H. de Vos, 26. C. R. Boxer, op. cit. 221. Dutch Colonisation of the East, Journal of the Dutch 27. Baldaeus, op. cit. ch. 38, 241. Burgher Union of Ceylon, Vol. XII, Part 1 - IV, 1920, 1 -4. 28. S. A. W. Mottau, retired Govt, Archivist, in a note to 17. F. H. de Vos, Portuguese Patois, 3 D. B. U., Vol. me dated 19. 6. 84. XL, July 1950, No. 3, 134. 29. R. G. Anthonisz, op. cit. 2. 18 F. R. Ragel, op. cit., 11. 19. C. M. Fernando, The Music of Ceylon, Journal of the 30. G. V. Grenier, The Union: Are we Fulfilling its Royal Asiatic Society, Ceylon Branch, Vol XIII, No. 45, Objectives, J. D. B. U. Vol. 48, 1958, Nos. 1, 16. 183 - 189. The musical notation of several tunes are included in this article. 31. G. V. Grenier, Burgher Etymology and some Refevent Reflections, J. D. B. U. Vol. 56, 1966, Nos. 1 - 4, 26. 19a. The Ceylon Mechanics, ex. Examiner, Monthly Literary 32. Op, Cit. 26. Register 2 (8) August 1894, 175-6.

20. Francois Valentijn, Description of Ceylon, (Hakluy 33. Johnston Manuscripts, J. D, B. U. Vol. 47, 1957, Nos. Society, London, 1978) translated and edited by 2-3, 33 - 42. S. Arasaratnam, 280. 34. T. Nadarajah, The Legal System of Ceylon in its 21. R. Knox, Historical Relation of The Island of Ceylon Historical Setting (, E. J. Brill, 1972) 74. Ceylon (London, 1681) Pt. 3, Ch, 9, 171. National Archives 4/2. 214 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION 215

Op. cit. 74; Colonial Office Papers, Public Record Office! 48. Percy Colin-Thome', Governor van Angelbeek and The London. C. O. 416/16 F. 41, 402 - 402a. See also J. R. Capitulation of the Dutch Settlements in Ceylon to the Toussaint, The Dutch Burghers of Ceylon J.D.B.UVol. British (1796). Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, XXIX, July 1939, No. 3, 6 at 9. Ceylon Branch, 1978 - 79, 20 - 48, at 32, Op. cit. 74. C. O. 416/17 F 42, 281; C. O. 4I6/16F, 49. J. R. Toussaint. The Coconut Tree Tax. J. D. B. U. 402, 3. Vol. XXI, July 1931, No. 1, 79-91.

Op. cit, 75. 50. G. V. Grenier, Burgher Unemployment in Early British Times J. D. B. U. Vol. LVII Jan. - Dec. 1967, Nos. William Digby, Forty Years of Official aud Unofficial 1 - 4, 47, 48. See also the Douglas Papers, edited by Fr. Life in an Oriental Crown Color./ being the Life of S. G. Perera, 16. 40 and 137. Sir Richard R. Morgan, Kt., Vol. 1, 165 (Madras, lS79)-i 51. Op. cit. 48. Governor North's despatch of 9 May 1803 K. M. :de, Silva, A (Oxford Univ. to the Sec. of State. Press. 1981) .364- 5. 52. Op. cit. 47. J. R. •Weinman, "Oiir Legislature (A. N. C. L. 1947) XIV. See also Ttssa Fernando, The Burghers of Ceylon'> 53. Rev. James Cordiner, A. M., Description of Ceylon. The Blending of Races.: Marginality and Identity in (London, Longman 1807), Vol. 1, 87. World Perspective, ed. Gist and Dworkill, copyright 1972 Wiley & Sons lnc, Ich. 4, 66. '."■"''' ; 54. Robert Percival, An Account of the Island of Ceylon, 1803. (Reprint of 2nd edition, Tisara, 1975) 104. -Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam, Kt: ■ 55. R. G. Anthonisz, see note 25. op. cit. 8. Digby op. Arunachalain, "Population" in Twentieth Century cit. 18. Impressions of Ceylon. (Arnold Wright, ed. London: Lloyds, 1907, 343) '■■ 56. Sir Emerson Tennent, Ceylon (London, 1860), Vol. 11, 156. Ceylon Morning Leader, 22nd January, 1908- 57. Extract from "Guns Boomed as he took his Oath as G. C. Mendis, Ceylon under the British, (Apothecaries, Queen's Advocate," The Searchlight, Dec. 15, 1956. L. C. 1944) 108. No. 1, R. A. S. C. B. R. G Anthonisz in "'Proceedings of the Annual General 58. Young Ceylon (J852), Vol. 11, 147 - 160. Meeting, 23 February 1918, J. D. B. TJ. Vol. 11, Nos. 1 - 2 (i9l8) 4. See Dennis B. McGilvray's facetious 59. Digby op. cit. Vol. 1, 39. comment on this speech: "It sounds odd; coming from 60. History of The Medical Service in Ceylon, 42 R. A. the leader of a Eurasian Organization," op. cit. 248., S. C. B. 102. Proceedings of the Special General Meeting ]8 August 61. J. D. B. U. Vol. XV, Jan. 1926, 3, 83 - 88. 1939. J. D. B. U. Vol. 29, No. 2 (1939) 7'7-:79. '' 62. Legislatures of Sri Lanka - Roll of Honour, Govt. Dennis B. McGilvray: op. cit. 252. Printer, 1980. Iffj 216 THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH BUKGHEK UNION 217 pp 63. G. C. Mendis op. cit. 54. 82. Leopold Ludovici, Memoir of Charles Ambrose Lorenz, 64 HA. J. Hulugalle, Centenary Volume oj the Colombo Municipal Council. 1865 - 1965, Govt. Press, 1965, Ceylon Quarterly Magazine, Sept. 1871, 97. 54 - 64. 83. R. A. Krickenbeck, Emigration and The Burghers, J. D. 65 Visakha Kumari Jayawardena, The Rise of the Labour B. U. Vol. Lll, July - Dec. 1962, Nos. 3 & 4, 16. Movement in Ceylon, Duke University Press, Durham, North Carolina, 1972, 80. 84. Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon, Monthly Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 3, Serial No. 73, March 1938, 3. 66. Op cit. 80. 85. R. S. V. Poulier, Presidents'Address at the 49th General 67. Op. cit. 81. Meeting, J. D. B. U. Vol. 47, Nos. 2-3 (2957) 53-59. 68. Op. cit. 82. 86. G. V. Grenier, Burgher Etymology, op. cit. 29 - 30. 69. Op. cit. 84. 87. Digby. op. cit. Vol. 1, 39. 70. Op. cit. 93 - 97. 71. Orientalist, 4(3 and 4) 1891, 50-57. 72. Orientalist, 2, 1885 - 86; 201 - 8; 3, 1888-89,9 - 17. 73. Ceylon Antiquary and Literary Register, 1 (4) Apr. I9l6, 237 - 242. 74. Ceylon Literary Register. 2(26) Nov. J8 , 1887, 124 - 5; 2(19) Dec. 9, 2887, 147 - 9 etc. 75. Journal of the British Medical Association (Ceylon Branch), 1942, Vol. 3, No. 376. 76. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology, 1949, Vol. 35, No. 39. 77. Journal of Physiology, 1951, Vol. 114 No. 208.

78. J. B. M. A. (C. B.), 1951, Vol. 46, No. 37. 79. Ceylon Journal of Scieflce, 2952, Section G. (Anthropology), Vol. 5, No. 1. 80. Ceylon Medical Journal, 2957, Vol. 4, No. I. 81. History of the Medical Service in Ceylon, 4^ R. A. S. C. B. 43. mil$ THE JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH SURGHEK UNION 219 gjfjjjS THE SURRENDER Among the things that are visible She is tentative Jike the rising moon, Beholding is to behold herself, 1 surrender myself to that voice which exiles itself from daylight She sees the reflection of as effigy. The departure from the place of a multitude of footsteps And the mirror smiles when she smiles The weary celebration of triumph over shadows, And the gestures are repeated before her. The congregated maintenance like pillars She cries wildly to be silently cried at, supporting the crumbling arches of the world, And she asks, "But where am I among the The abandoning of necks to the bondage of visible intention, things that arc visible? The tethering points of the daylight,

George keyt. George Keyt. (from Darkness Disrobed 1936) (from Image in Absence, 1937) reprinted in George Keyt, reprinted in George Keyt, A Felicitation Volume, Published A Felicitaiion Volume, by the George Keyt Felicitation Published by the George Keyt Committee 1971 pg 100 Felicitaion Committee 1977, Pg. 104 Vol. LXIII January—December 1989 Nos. 1—4 DUTCH BURGHER UNION OF CEYLON

General Committee 1984 /1985

Hon'ble Mr. Justice PERCY COLIN—THOME ... President Mr. V. A. MULLER — Hony. Secretary ^Journal of iljE Mr. E. V. MARTENSTYN— Hony. Treasurer

Miss D. de Kretser Mrs. G. Young Mr. O. L. de Kretser Mr. A. I. E. de Kretser Mr. F. J. Roelofsz Pnion of (QWlottl Mr. G. St. G. Modder Mr. G. de Jong "Eendracht maakt Macht' Mr. D. Beling Mr. B. R. Anthonisz Dr. H. A. Dirckze CONTENTS Mr. W. B. Jonklaas.

Editor — The Journal Page Mrs, G. Young 1. Editor's Note ...... „ .. . 1 2. THEN AND NOW — Lorenz Ludovici 3 3. THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE BURGHERS TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION OF SRI LANKA — Percy Colin-Thome* 11 4. A NEW YEAR'S DAY — John Capper 26 5. TO MY FELLOW-COUNTRYMAN — Louis Nell 33 6. HOW THE HOPPERS CAME TO BREAKFAST — Rodney Jonklaas ...... 35 Printed at Vespa Printers, 17, Majedia Estate, Gothatuwa. Angoda. 7. Genealogy of the Family of de Hoedt of Ceylon 38 8. Genealoev of the Family of Thome' of Ceylon 42